Wagner’s 27 leads Michigan to upset

Junior’s career-high point total adds to No. 4 MSU’s woes.

EAST LANSING, MICH. — Junior Moritz Wagner scored a career-high 27 points, lifting Michigan to an 82-72 victory over No. 4 Michigan State on Saturday.

“We didn’t know if Moe would play,” coach John Beilein said. “He tweaked the ankle. We have a trainer, Alex Wong, who needs a shout-out for this one.”

The 6-foot-11 Wagner was 8 of 13, making 3 of 4 3-pointers, and shot over and drove past every player who attempted to defend him.

“He’s a pick-and-pop guy and it’s tough to guard him,” Michigan State’s Miles Bridges said.

“We could tell he really wanted that game.”

Wagner, who was jeered by the fans before it was clear Michigan was going to win, celebrated the victory by shouting with joy and bouncing around the court.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo compared Wagner with former Spartans guard Scott Skiles, who taunted the Wolverines while scoring against them in the mid-1980s.

“He talked it,” Izzo said. “He walked it. He played it.”

The Wolverines (15-4, 4-2 Big Ten) have won two straight against MSU.

The Spartans (16-3, 4-2) are struggling, losing two of three games with an overtime win over Rutgers in between the setbacks.

“We have to do some soul-searching,” Izzo acknowledged.

Zavier Simpson made a go-ahead layup with 14:28 left, the 13th lead change in an intense game with 11 ties.

Simpson finished with 16 points, taking advantage of a game plan that called for him and his teammates to drive toward the basket against a shot-blocking team.

“Our guards could not get over the screens,” Izzo said.

Bridges had 19 points, six rebounds, five assists and two steals, but made four of MSU’s 18 turnovers. Michigan scored 26 points off turnovers.

“It’s going to be tough for me to live this down,” said Bridges.