SYRACUSE, N.Y.- Bryn Forbes’ 3-pointer ignited a 7-1 run to open overtime as No. 7-seed Michigan State needed extra time to upend No. 4-seed Louisville, 76-70, in the East Regional final at the Carrier Dome. Michigan State coach Tom Izzo will guide the Spartans to the Final Four for the seventh time.
After Louisville’s Mangok Mathiang made the first of two free throws to knot the score at 65 with 4.9 seconds left in regulation, the Spartans took command in the overtime. Forbes made a pair of free throws for a 70-66 lead and Denzel Valentine’s layup made it 72-66. The Cardinals closed within 72-70 on free throws by Wayne Blackshear, but it wasn’t enough.
Travis Trice scored 17 points, Valentine added 15 for the Spartans and Forbes pitched in 14. Wayne Blackshear scored 28 points and Montrezl Harrell had 16 for the Cardinals.
Ian Eagle and P.J. Carlesimo called the action on Westwood One Sports.