CLEVELAND, Ohio – In a decisive first-round matchup of the 2025 NCAA Men's Basketball Championships, the second-seeded Michigan State Spartans convincingly defeated the 15th-seeded Bryant Bulldogs, 87-62, on March 22, 2025, at Rocket Arena.
The victory showcased a stark contrast between the two teams, particularly highlighted by Michigan State’s dominant second half, where they outscored Bryant 54-34. This match marks a disappointing end to an otherwise historic season for Bryant, which concluded with a 23-12 record, setting a new standard for victories in the program's Division I history.
Michigan State, improving to 28-6, received outstanding contributions from their players, with sophomore forward Coen Carr leading the way. Carr scored a career-high 18 points, bolstered by nine rebounds and two assists. His performance in the first half, where he netted 15 points, was crucial in helping the Spartans maintain an edge over Bryant.
Following a strong start that saw Bryant take an early 5-0 lead, the Bulldogs were bolstered by a layup from Earl Timberlake and a three-pointer from Barry Evans. However, Michigan State quickly responded, tying the game and trading leads throughout the first half. The first half ended with Michigan State holding a slim 33-28 lead.
The turning point came shortly after halftime when Michigan State answered a timid start from Bryant with a quick back-to-back three-point barrage from Jaden Akins and Jeremy Fears Jr., forcing a Bulldog timeout as they pushed their lead to 42-33. They maintained this momentum, steadily increasing their advantage throughout the second half.
Michigan State’s overall rebounding domination was evident, finishing the game with a 54-29 edge on the boards, including a remarkable 21-9 advantage in offensive rebounds. The Spartans turned those second chances into a whopping 31 points. Additionally, they showcased their shooting prowess from beyond the arc, hitting 10-of-26 three-pointers, with a significant number falling in the second half.
For Bryant, Rafael Pinzon led the scoring with 21 points and five rebounds. Earl Timberlake contributed 14 points, alongside four rebounds, five assists, and two blocks. The Bulldogs shot 37.1 percent (26-of-70) from the field, which, while commendable, ultimately fell short against Michigan State's relentless offensive strategy.
As the game progressed, the Spartans effectively dismantled any hopes Bryant had of making a comeback. After a minor push that narrowed the gap to six points, Michigan State responded with an 11-2 run that crushed the Bulldogs' remaining spirits. By the time the clock wound down, an emphatic dunk from Akins highlighted Michigan State's dominance and sealed the game, much to the delight of the 17,392 fans in attendance.
Despite the score, Bryant's culture of hard work and resilience was evident. This season was not just another chapter in their program history; it was a landmark achievement. Timberlake finished his collegiate career as a standout athlete, closing with an impressive 1,532 points, affirming his legacy at the university.
Post-game, Bryant’s head coach remarked, "It's been a historic season for us, but tonight just wasn't our night," reflecting on the bittersweet conclusion to the tournament. Meanwhile, the Michigan State head coach praised his team's adjustments, saying, "We knew we had to amp up our defense in the second half to win this game," which proved crucial to their success.
Moving forward, Michigan State will face No. 10 seed New Mexico in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Sunday, March 23, with the game set to be televised nationally on TNT. Their ability to capitalize on offensive rebounds and three-point shooting will likely be pivotal in this upcoming clash.
The 2025 NCAA Tournament continues to deliver thrilling matchups, and for both Bryant and Michigan State, this game serves as a pivotal moment in their respective journeys – one defining a season of unprecedented success, the other a pathway forward with lessons learned and ambitions for future tournaments.
