CLEVELAND - The Michigan State Spartans cruised past the Bryant University Bulldogs in their NCAA Tournament opener, solidifying a spot in the second round with an impressive 87-62 victory on Friday night at Rocket Arena.
Entering the tournament as the 2-seed in the South region, Michigan State demonstrated why they were heavily favored against the 15-seed Bulldogs, who were making their second appearance in March Madness. The Spartans’ win marked their 27th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance—the longest streak in Big Ten history.
During the game, Michigan State’s players executed their game plan flawlessly, showcasing their skills against a Bryant team that fought hard but ultimately faltered against the seasoned Spartans. Leading the charge was a well-rounded effort from the roster, which head coach Tom Izzo praised, saying, "We played well as a team, and I'm proud of how the guys executed the game plan."
The game got off to a strong start for Michigan State, who quickly established dominance on both ends of the court. With a commanding lead maintained throughout the contest, the Spartans never looked back, solidifying their intent to advance through the NCAA bracket.
With the victory, Michigan State is now set to take on New Mexico, who triumphed over Marquette in their first-round matchup. The game against New Mexico is scheduled for Sunday, March 23, 2025, at 8:40 p.m. ET, also at Rocket Arena and will be broadcast live on TNT.
The stakes are high as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the Sweet 16. Michigan State is expected to enter the matchup favored again, and fans are anticipating another strong showing from the Spartans in their quest for the national championship. The betting odds for the Michigan State vs. New Mexico game had yet to be announced at the time of writing, but given the Spartans' recent performance against Bryant, they are likely to remain unwaveringly confident.
This upcoming game represents a pivotal moment for the Spartans, who are looking to extend their remarkable tournament run under the leadership of longtime head coach Tom Izzo. Gathering a reputation for their big-game performances, the Spartans have proven they're a team that can capitalize when it matters most.
With great anticipation building ahead of their next match, the players and coaching staff continue to focus on refining their strategies and preparing for the challenges that New Mexico will bring. As they aim for victory in the second round, spirits are high amongst the Spartans and their fanbase alike.
Michigan State’s triumph over Bryant, capping a stellar performance, positions them favorably moving forward in the tournament.
