Michigan State advances to the Round of 32 with win over Colorado State
The Spartans adapted, survived, and advanced
In a game of two teams with contrasting styles, the No. 5 seed Michigan State Spartans relied on veteran poise and late-game execution to outlast the No. 12 seed Colorado State Rams, 65–62, in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday.
Facing a Rams squad that ranked seventh nationally in scoring defense, the Spartans were forced out of their transition game and into a half-court grind. The duo of Blair and Grace VanSlooten pushed the Spartans over the edge as they outlasted the Rams in a close game.
1st Half
The game opened with MSU starting slow, making only one of its first seven shots and allowing an early 10–0 run. The Spartans began to find their rhythm by establishing their presence in the paint, while Colorado State relied on the playmaking of Brooke Carlson. Brown provided a spark for the Spartans from the perimeter, hitting an early three to keep the defense honest. Michigan State held a slight edge after ten minutes, leading 16–13, though it was clear the Rams’ slow-tempo style was giving MSU trouble.
