AUBUURN HILLS, Mich. – Tom Izzo worked his March magic and led Michigan State to its fifth Sweet 16 appearance in the last six years.
The Spartans defeated Memphis 70-48. Gary Harris led MSU with a career-high 23 points. The Spartans will play the winner of the Duke-Creighton game on Friday, March 29th in the regional semifinals in Indianapolis.
Izzo will be leading Michigan State to its eleventh Sweet 16 since he became head coach of the Spartans.
Memphis head coach Josh Pastner, who won a National Championship as a player with Arizona, said the Spartans have all the tools to be successful the rest of the way.
“They’re good enough to win the National Championship,” said Pastner who also commended Spartan junior Adreian Payne.
“He’s a pro. There’s no doubt. He’s a pro. If he plays like that every night, they’re going to the Final Four.”
