COLUMBUS, Ohio — Michigan State men's basketball is facing off against Southern California in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. Follow along with in game updates from Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.
The Spartans stressed in practice on Thursday that they wanted to play their own game and not worry about USC. Senior Malik Hall said he thought they did that.
"I think we did for sure. As far as running and turning them over. Defense, rebound and run, that's been coach's motto ever since he got here and I think we definitely did accomplish that," said Hall.
Second half:
1:07 left in the game. 67-57 Spartans lead.
Back to back threes from Hauser and Akins puts MSU up 66-51 with 4:21 left in the game.
Scoreless for two minutes until a timeout is called. MSU still leads 58-49 against UCS. 7:19 to go.
Media timeout, 11:30 left in the game. Michigan State leads 51-47.
13:43 to go. MSU up 49-30 after a massive putback dunk by freshman Carson Cooper.
Tie game at 34 at halftime.
First Half:
USC with their first lead since the first two minutes of the game. Trojans up 31-30 with 1:07 before the half.
Jaden Akins with a massive dunk putting the Spartans up 28-21. Moments later the Trojans storm back, closing the gap 28-25. 3:40 left in the first half. Time out MSU.
Media time out at 7:51 in the first half. Michigan State leads 24-15.
9:06 to go in the first, Mady Sissoko slams it home putting the Spartanns up by double digits. 24-13 MSU leads.
The Spartans grow their lead to 8 at the 10:50 mark in the first half. Tyson Walker with a pullup, second chance jumper. MSU leads 17-9.
Time out called with 15:43 left in the first half. MSU leads 9-4 with buckets from Jaden Akins and Tyson Walker.
