A big nonconference win helped propel Michigan State up the rankings.

The Spartans (2-0), who are coming off a victory at home against Arkansas on Saturday night, moved up five spots to No. 17 in the new AP Top 25 , which was released Monday afternoon.

Michigan State split a pair of exhibition games with a win against Bowling Green and loss at UConn before opening the regular season with a sloppy 80-69 victory against Colgate last week. Coach Tom Izzo challenged his players to respond and they did by holding on for a 69-66 win against then-No. 14 Arkansas at the Breslin Center. The Razorbacks (1-1) fell seven spots to No. 21 in the new AP rankings.

The Spartans added six newcomers to a team that won a Big Ten title last season and they’re still figuring out lineups. They host San Jo

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