Michigan State has a 30-26 halftime lead over in-state rival Michigan on Sunday afternoon.

The Spartans are in desperate need of a win to improve their NCAA Tournament résumé.

These two teams played on Thursday — a game that resulted in a 69-50 victory for the Wolverines.

Michigan State’s two leading scorers so far in this contest both came off the bench. Rocket Watts and Joey Hauser have 11 and nine points, respectively.

The more impressive element of this game so far has been Michigan State’s defense. The Wolverines didn’t have a player reach double figures in the first half and are currently on pace for 52 points. Michigan has scored under 60 points just twice in this calendar year.

Michigan State is currently sitting on the NCAA Tournament bubble. A win would move the Spartans to 9-11 in conference play and 15-11 overall. Michigan State also has victories over Ohio State and Illinois this season.

Michigan appears to be in line for a No. 1 seed. A loss to the Spartans likely wouldn’t do much to change that outcome, provided the Wolverines are able to make a run in the Big Ten Tournament.

Selection Sunday is on March 14.