As the NCAA Men's Basketball Championship approaches, Bryant University's men's basketball team, the Bulldogs, is set to face No. 2 seed Michigan State in a highly anticipated first-round matchup. Scheduled for Friday, March 21, 2025, at 10:00 p.m., this meeting marks a significant event not only for the team but also for its supporters and alumni.
For fans traveling to Cleveland, Bryant Alumni has organized a pregame gathering at Southern Tier Brewery from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. It offers an excellent opportunity for supporters to come together ahead of the game. For those unable to travel, regional watch parties are planned in Providence, Boston, and New York, allowing fans nationwide to cheer for the Bulldogs together. Interested alumni can register for these events at alumni.bryant.edu.
The game will take place at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, and this is the first encounter between Bryant and Michigan State in program history. Despite Bryant’s unfortunate history in prior games against Big Ten teams—holding a record of 0-13, which includes a recent loss to Rutgers—there is optimism surrounding this year's appearance in March Madness. Most notably, Bryant is making its second trip to the tournament in its Division I program history.
In its previous appearance during the 2022 tournament, the Bulldogs played in the First Four in Dayton but fell short against Wright State, losing 93-82. This season, however, Bryant earned its spot in the tournament by clinching the America East Championship with a decisive 79-59 victory over Maine. Earl Timberlake, who excelled during the championship game, was named the Reggie Lewis Tournament Most Outstanding Player, posting 17 points, four rebounds, five assists, four steals, and two blocks.
Alongside Timberlake, Barry Evans and Keyshawn Mitchell also made a significant impact in the championship game, with Evans scoring 19 points and grabbing seven rebounds, and Mitchell contributing a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Both players received All-Tournament Team honors for their performance. Their contributions highlight the Bulldogs' dynamic roster as they head into one of the most prestigious sporting events in college basketball.
Additionally, the Bulldogs are ranked No. 24 in the latest CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25, marking Bryant's first ranking since the 2021-22 season, which adds a layer of confidence to the team as they prepare to face Michigan State.
On the coaching front, Phil Martelli Jr. recently received the NABC Mid-Atlantic Coach of the Year award, celebrating his impressive work this season. Under his leadership, the Bulldogs achieved a program record of 23 victories this season. The success has come during his first two years as head coach, with Martelli boasting a total of 43 wins, making it the most for a Bryant coach in their initial two seasons.
Among the top players on the team, Earl Timberlake stands out, having earned the title of America East Player of the Year and Tournament Most Outstanding Player as he leads the Bulldogs with remarkable statistics, averaging over 15 points, 8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game for the season. In the postseason, he has been particularly impressive, averaging 18.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 5.3 apg, 2.7 blocks, and 2.0 steals across three tournament games.
Mitchell has also been a vital contributor, showcasing his skills with an average of 14 points and 10.7 rebounds in the postseason. He recorded a double-double against the high-major opponent St. John's, where he scored 21 points and pulled down 12 rebounds. Barry Evans remains consistently robust, having scored in double figures in his last nine games and averaged 16.7 points during the America East Tournament, including 20 points in the semifinal and 19 in the finals.
Kvonn Cramer has demonstrated excellent proficiency in recent games, hitting 76.2% of his shots over the past four games while averaging 9.7 ppg and 9.0 rpg across tournaments. Connor Withers brings invaluable experience to the team, poised to compete in his 149th game as the tournament unfolds. Withers is now among only eleven players in NCAA history with over 1,200 points, 700 rebounds, 300 assists, 150 blocks, and 175 steals throughout their college careers.
As the Bulldogs gear up for this monumental clash against Michigan State, the team's resilience and growth throughout the season are on display. Bryant's journey in this tournament is garnering attention and support, underscoring the spirit and dedication of the university’s athletes and alumni.
On the other side, Michigan State recently boarded the bus to leave for the NCAA Tournament in Cleveland on March 19, 2025, as they prepare for their matchup against the Bulldogs.
The stakes are high, and with anticipation building, both teams will aim to make their mark during this critical moment in college basketball.
The clash of the Bulldogs and Spartans is set to be a thrilling opener in the tournament, promising excitement for fans and players alike as they look forward to an unforgettable night of college basketball!
