EAST LANSING -- After a scary finish last Saturday, the Michigan State Spartans hope to put forth a better effort on Tuesday night, as they welcome the Samford Bulldogs to East Lansing.

The Spartans had quite the issues getting around MAC program Bowling Green State this past Saturday. MSU had to erase a double-digit deficit in the contest, outscoring the Falcons 43-29 in the second half to pull out an 86-72 win, avoiding dropping back-to-back games. Seven Spartans had double-digits in the victory, led by Jaden Akins who scored 13 points, completing the double-double with 12 rebounds. Frankie Fidler and Carson Cooper each chimed in with 12 points.

Despite having won three of their first four games of the season, Michigan State has not looked overly impressive. Even though they kept up with Kansas in a marquee matchup last week, miscues on both ends of the court have led many to wonder what the Spartans can bring once the Big Ten schedule begins.

While they have not faced anyone notable yet, Samford is off to a fairly good start. Outside of a loss to Cornell, the Bulldogs have used a strong offense to win four of their first five games. Each of this Southern Conference school's victories have seen the team reach 97 points, including hit triple-digits against Mississippi College and Rhodes College.

Tuesday night will mark the first-ever meeting between MSU and Samford.