Photo: Bob Donnan ~ USA TODAY Sports
CHARLOTTE, NC, March 22, 2024 ~ The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs, 69-51, in the first round of this year’s NCAA March Madness Tournament at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The Spartans came out hot and ready to play. Michigan State took an early lead and held onto it for the entire game. About halfway through the first half, the Spartans were already out to a double-digit lead. Headed into halftime, Michigan State sat at a seven-point lead.
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March 22, 2024 ~ The Spartans blew out Mississippi State in the Round of 64 in the NCAA Tournament, and will now face top-seeded North Carolina on Saturday. Spartan Sports Network Color Analyst Matt Steigenga talks with 760 WJR‘s Lloyd Jackson and Jamie Edmonds about the scouting report for the Tar Heels. Photo: Junfu Han ~ USA Today Network
March 22, 2024 ~ The Spartans are moving on in the NCAA Tournament after beating Mississippi State in the Round of 64. Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo talks with 760 WJR‘s Lloyd Jackson, Jamie Edmonds, and Steve Courtney about moving on to face North Carolina, and the incredible win by the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. Photo: Bob Donnan ~ USA Today Network
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— Michigan State Men's Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) March 21, 2024
(CONTINUED) In the second half, the Spartans kept up the same tempo. Multiple scoring runs and ten three-pointers allowed Michigan State to remain in the driver’s seat. It was the sixth time this season the Spartans had at least 10 three pointers in a game.
Michigan State relied on Tyson Walker and Jaden Akins all game. Walker was the game’s leading scorer off solid shooting, while Akins was a force on both ends, scoring 15 points alongside a major defensive effort.
This win gave Spartans Head Coach Tom Izzo his 20th first round tournament win. Michigan State will advance to the second round of the tournament where they’ll face off against the No. 1 seeded North Carolina Tarheels on Saturday at 5:30 p.m. at Spectrum Center.
