Tom Izzo and Michigan State basketball have become a staple in the NCAA Tournament and this year didn't change. For a 25th straight season the Spartans are in the big dance. Beginning with a matchup with the Trojans of USC in the East region. Here is how round of 64 action went down for the Spartans.
1st Half
Michigan State got a positive start in the opening four minutes. A dunk from Mady Sissoko, a Joey Hause corner three, and a Walker take to the rack. At the first break the Spartans led (9-4) and looked to keep it going. There was a little back and forth action and USC closed the game to (9-11) before Michigan State answered back with a spurt of their own to take a (17-9) lead around the 11-minute mark in the first half. Michigan State found some more holes in the Trojan defense in the next minutes. A second Hauser three and a slam by Sissoko gave the Spartans a double-digit lead with 9:05 on the clock. Joey Hauser had a positive start going (2-2) from deep in the opening minutes. The Trojans would go on a 12-3 run and bring the game within three to a (28-27) tally in favor of the Spartans at the final media break of the half. USC was able to get some easy baskets and a late break getting back by Sissoko cost Michigan State a basket. USC would come back to take their first lead since the first basket of the game. (31-30) the score after a Trojan three with just 1:15 left in the half. The game would be tied going into the break. USC really heated up and finished the half shooting 50% from the field. After starting (5-10) Michigan State would close the half shooting (14-30). Josh Morgan for the Trojans would lead the scoring with 10 first half points.
2nd half
The first minutes of the second half brought some ups and downs. A break in play for a foul call, and then action resumed. Hauser with another three for Michigan State and Jaden Akins with a play of the game to that point floating through the lane for a and one bucket. That would bring us to our first media timeout of the final stanza of play. Spartans 45 Trojans 40 out of the break with a free throw pending from Akins. The freshman has been playing for Tom Izzo all year and this was no different, this time Carson Cooper with two emphatic dunks to put the Spartans back up nine. (49-40) the score forcing a USC timeout. But as everyone knows basketball is a game of runs and USC stormed right back to make it a four-point spread once again. Michigan State would lead going into the under 12 media break (51-47) with Hall stepping to the line. Michigan State finally settled in on defense and the Spartans began to run. After a AJ Hoggard steals and layup to give MSU another nine-point lead USC called another timeout. This time the score MSU 58 USC 49. Michigan State finally go back to a double-digit lead but it didn't last more than a minute. After a Hall basket the Spartans led (60-49) before a quick Trojans return. Michigan State then would break out to a 15-point lead at (66-51). But the Trojans used two quick threes to bring it right back. The Spartans would almost get bit in the back as they missed seven straight free throws down the stretch in this one. Michigan State would come out on top 72-62 the final.
Closing
Starting their run in March Michigan State and Tom Izzo do what you do in March, survive and advance. It was always pretty but the Spartans reeled their way into a round one victory.