In a thrilling NCAA tournament matchup, the Michigan State Spartans showcased their trademark physical style of play, defeating the Bryant Bulldogs 87-62. Known for their intense, hard-fought games, Coach Tom Izzo's team proved their dominance once again, particularly in the second half of the contest held at Rocket Arena. This victory ensures that the Spartans advance in the South region of the tournament.
Leading the charge for Michigan State was Coen Carr, who delivered a standout performance with career highs of 18 points and nine rebounds. Carr’s athletic prowess and resilience were pivotal in overpowering the Bulldogs, who despite being a 15-seed, matched the Spartans' intensity. The Spartans exhibited strong interior depth, which ultimately wore down their opponents, allowing them to pull away decisively in the second half.
The Spartans showcased their rebounding prowess, dominating the boards with a staggering 54-29 rebounding advantage. They also excelled in second-chance opportunities, outscoring Bryant 31-6 in that category. Throughout the game, Michigan State demonstrated their shooting efficiency by draining 10 three-pointers. Notable contributions came from Jase Richardson with 15 points, Tre Holloman with 14 points and four assists, and Jeremy Fears Jr. and Jaden Akins, who each added 11 points to the scoreboard.
On the other side, Bryant's Rafael Pinzon managed to score 21 points but struggled with his shooting, finishing 9-for-26 from the field. Teammate Earl Timberlake, who faced a tough first half after sustaining a facial injury, returned to contribute with 14 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Bulldogs could not match the Spartans’ depth and athleticism.
The first half was tightly contested, with Carr’s spin-move layup giving Michigan State their first lead at 14-12. His relentless hustle on the boards and ability to finish plays set the tone for the team. Notably, Carr’s ability to absorb contact and complete plays under pressure highlighted his determination and skill. As the first half concluded with the Spartans holding a slim 33-28 lead, the stage was set for a second-half surge.
In the second half, Michigan State began to exert their will, showcasing their depth as they pulled away from Bryant. The Spartans dominated the boards again, out-rebounding the Bulldogs 28-10, including 16 offensive rebounds. This overwhelming display led to a 27-6 advantage in second-chance points after halftime. With a concerted effort from Jaxon Kohler, Carson Cooper, and the sharp shooting of Holloman and Richardson, Michigan State outscored Bryant 54-34 in the second half.
As the Spartans gear up for their next challenge, they will face the New Mexico Lobos, who advanced by defeating the 7-seed Marquette in their first-round game. Scheduled for 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, this matchup will be crucial for MSU as they aim for another Sweet 16 appearance. Historically, Michigan State holds a 2-0 record against New Mexico, and Coach Izzo has a favorable coaching record against Lobos coach Richard Pitino.
With a rich history in NCAA tournaments, Coach Izzo’s Spartans enter this contest with a 57-25 record in his 27th consecutive NCAA appearance. However, advancing past the first weekend has been a challenge since their 2019 Final Four appearance, making this upcoming game even more significant for the team and its fans.
