the opening round of the NCAA Tournament, the Michigan State Spartans, seeded No. 2, defeated the No. 15 seed Bryant Bulldogs with a final score of 87-62.
Game Summary
The contest, held at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, saw the Spartans overcome a slow start to secure their victory. The first half concluded with Michigan State leading by a narrow margin of 33-28. However, the second half showcased the Spartans’ dominance as they outscored the Bulldogs 54-34.
Key Performances
- Michigan State Spartans:
- Coen Carr: The sophomore forward delivered a standout performance off the bench, recording a career-high 18 points and nine rebounds.
- Jaden Akins: Contributed significantly with 15 points, including a highlight-reel left-handed dunk in the second half.
- A.J. Hoggard: The junior guard added 14 points and distributed six assists, effectively orchestrating the Spartans’ offense.
- Bryant Bulldogs:
- Rafael Pinzon: Led all scorers with 21 points, shooting 9-of-26 from the field.
- Earl Timberlake: Added 14 points, four rebounds, and five assists, showcasing his versatility.
Team Statistics
- Field Goal Percentage:
- Michigan State: 44.8% (30-of-67)
- Bryant: 37.3% (25-of-67)
- Three-Point Shooting:
- Michigan State: 41.7% (10-of-24)
- Rebounding:
- Michigan State dominated the boards with a 52-27 advantage, including 20 offensive rebounds leading to 21 second-chance points.
Game Highlights
The Bulldogs began the game with energy, matching the Spartans’ intensity and keeping the score close throughout the first half. However, Michigan State’s depth and athleticism became evident in the second half. A pivotal moment occurred with just over three minutes remaining when Jaden Akins executed a powerful dunk, extending the Spartans’ lead to 24 points and effectively sealing the game.
Post-Game Remarks
Michigan State’s head coach emphasized the importance of second-half adjustments and praised the team’s resilience. He highlighted Coen Carr’s impactful performance off the bench as a catalyst for their offensive surge.
Bryant’s head coach acknowledged the challenges posed by Michigan State’s physicality and depth. He expressed pride in his team’s effort, particularly in the first half, and noted the experience gained from competing at this level.
Looking Ahead
With this victory, Michigan State advances to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. They are scheduled to face the No. 10 seed New Mexico, who secured their spot by defeating No. 7 seed Marquette. The upcoming matchup is set for Sunday, March 23, at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
