EAST LANSING, Mich.- Michigan State displayed its size and Western Michigan showed a bit of its youth, as the Broncos fell to the reigning Big Ten champions, 80-45, Thursday night at the Breslin Center.

WMU stuck around with Michigan State for the first 10 minutes, but the Spartans eventually wore down the undersized Broncos. Freshman A.J. Johnson hit a three-pointer at 12:20 to put WMU up 10-9 and Michigan State responded with a 30-11 run to close out the half. The Spartans led at halftime 39-21 and didn't let up in the second half. MSU increased its accuracy from the floor from 35.7 percent to 57.1 percent and held WMU to 21.4 percent shooting in the final frame. WMU shot 26.9 percent for the game.

The Spartans sat in a 2-3 zone throughout the night, causing trouble for the Bronco guards with traps on the wings. When the Broncos were able to drive to the basket, they were greeted by long arms and big verticals. MSU blocked seven Bronco shots and altered numerous others. The Spartans also scored 31 points off 28 Bronco turnovers and out-rebounded Western Michigan, 46-37.

Aurielle Anderson led the Brown & Gold with 12 points and six rebounds, both team highs. Her point total was three off her career high of 15 set last year against Michigan State. Miame Giden and Maria Iaquaniello chipped in eight points each, Giden scoring all eight of hers in the second half. Iaquaniello grabbed five rebounds, while freshman Marquisha Harris had four boards (three offensive) to go along with six points.

After opening the season with two tough road games, Western Michigan (0-2) hosts Eastern Kentucky in the Broncos' first home game, Sunday, Nov. 20. Tip-off against the Colonels is set for 2 p.m. WMU is offering $1 admission, $1 hot dogs and $1 popcorn. There will also be a post-game autograph session, where fans will have a chance to meet their favorite student-athletes.