AUBURN HILLS, MI – Despite victories in 25 of their previous 26 games, Memphis proved no match for one of the titans of the Big Ten.
Behind a 23-point performance by Gary Harris, and a 14-point, 10-rebound, 5-block effort by Adreian Payne, Michigan State earned a trip to the Sweet Sixteen courtesy of a 70-48 romp over Memphis. The Spartans led by just three points at the half, before methodically pulling away in the second half behind their trademark suffocating defense. The Tigers shot just 29.7% from the field for the game (19-for-64).
Michigan State’s victory capped off a very enjoyable afternoon for Michigan natives at The Palace of Auburn Hills, as Michigan blew out VCU earlier in the day to advance to the Sweet Sixteen, as well. Incredibly, this is the first time that both Michigan and Michigan State have both advanced to the Sweet Sixteen in the same season.
Tom McCarthy and Kelly Tripucka called the action on Westwood One Sports.
(Harris hits a three as MSU builds an early 26-13 lead)
[podcast id='1']
(Tigers convert on the fast break to cut halftime deficit to just three)
[podcast id='2']
(Derrick Nix won’t be denied inside, as lead back to up to double-digits)
[podcast id='3']
(Payne mishandles ball on fast break…and STILL slams it home!)
[podcast id='0']
(Payne strikes again, getting it done at both ends of the floor)
[podcast id='4']
(Valentine punctuates a dominant second-half effort for Sparty)
[podcast id='5']
(Postgame interview with Michigan State’s Gary Harris)
[podcast id='6']
(Auburn Hills wrap-up with Tom McCarthy and Kelly Tripucka)
[podcast id='7']
For our complete NCAA Tournament schedule, CLICK HERE.
