Charles Barkley Prediction: WRONG!!!

Despite Charles Barkley’s prediction of yesterdays game, MSU defeated the Memphis Tigers by a huge 70-48 victory, and for the fifth time in six years, the Spartans advance to the sweet sixteen.

Gary Harris was the game changer, scoring a record high 23 points in a game.  Our down low presence helped to win the game too; Adreian Payne and Derrick Nix combined for 27 points and 18 rebounds.

But with the win comes bad news.  During a time out towards the end of the game, Derrick Nix and Keith Appling appeared to be fighting.  And a couple minutes after that timeout, Appling left the with an injured shoulder.  Appling has had a history with a bad shoulder; it knocked him out of a Minnesota game in early February.

MSU is now in the sweet sixteen, but with a possible injured player and raised tensions between teammates, how will the Spartans do against the second seated Duke Blue Devils next Friday?

Source:  MSU Athletic department’s website – http://www.msuspartans.com/

MSU Defeats Valparaiso!

MSU’s NCAA tourney game opener in Auburn Hills is a success with a 65 – 54 win over the Crusaders of Valparaiso.

Senior Derrick Nix stepped up in his leader roll, playing like every game could be his last.  He achieved his first double-double in NCAA tournament play, leading the team in scoring with  23 points and a career high 15 rebounds.  In post game interviews Nix said “it’s my last go-around and, I’m not ready to be done yet.”

Fellow forwards Branden Dawson and Adreian Payne both had 7 points

Guards Keith Appling and Gary Harris also contributed big to the game.  Appling with 15 points, and Harris with 10.  Together, they made 5 three pointers.

Tom Izzo was pleased majority on the game, but thought the team had a “disgusting” finish, but was very pleased with the big men’s performance in the paint.

Spartans now move on to play the number 6 seat Memphis Tigers on Saturday in Auburn Hills.

The last time MSU played and defeated Valparaiso in a first round NCAA Tourney game was in 2000 led by “The Flintstones,” and MSU then went on to win the Tournament title.  Could lighting strike twice for the Spartans?

Source:  MSU Athletic department’s website – http://www.msuspartans.com/