CLEVELAND — A War on the Court

The game was a test of resilience and physicality. Known for their aggressive style, Tom Izzo’s Michigan State basketball teams faced a formidable challenge against 15-seed Bryant, who matched their intensity. Despite this, the Spartans proved to be too much for the Bulldogs in a crucial NCAA tournament matchup.

Coen Carr emerged as a standout player, contributing significantly as MSU showcased its depth, leading to an eventual 87-62 triumph at Rocket Arena. Carr set personal bests with 18 points and nine rebounds, further aiding the Spartans in their quest to move forward in the South region of the tournament.

Upcoming Challenges

The Spartans (28-6) are set to face No. 10 seed New Mexico on Sunday at 8:40 p.m. (TNT) for a chance to reach the Sweet 16 in Atlanta. New Mexico advanced earlier in the evening by defeating 7-seed Marquette 75-66.

Dominance on the Boards

MSU displayed a commanding 54-29 advantage in rebounding, with an impressive 21-9 lead on the offensive glass, resulting in a staggering 31-6 advantage in second-chance points. The Spartans also benefited from a strong shooting performance, hitting 10 three-pointers and getting significant contributions from various players, including Jase Richardson’s 15 points and Tre Holloman’s 14 points and four assists.

High-flying Carr Shines

Bryant challenged MSU with physical play from the outset, yet Carr’s athleticism provided MSU a necessary edge. His remarkable ability on the court was evident as he led the Spartans to their first lead at 14-12 with a layup deep in the paint.

Second Half Dominance

In the second half, MSU’s interior depth and shooting range began to take over. A combination of strong rebounding and accurate shooting allowed the Spartans to stretch their lead. They out-rebounded the Bulldogs 28-10 post-halftime and went on a scoring run, ultimately outpacing Bryant 54-34 in the second half.

Next Up: New Mexico

As they prepare for their next matchup, MSU holds a 2-0 historical advantage over New Mexico. Coach Tom Izzo is 9-3 when facing Lobos coach Richard Pitino, demonstrating MSU’s readiness as they seek to advance further in the tournament, despite only managing to pass the first weekend once since their 2019 Final Four appearance.

Contact Chris Solari: csolari@freepress.com. Follow him on @chrissolari.