It wasn’t pretty, but the Spartans got the job done. Add another Sweet 16 to Tom Izzo’s résumé.
Coen Carr kicked off with an early five points as the game was tied heading into the first TV timeout. Kur Teng finished a 7-0 run after the break with his first three of the game. Jaxon Kohler added two jump shots of his own to give MSU a 19-12 lead. The shots were falling for Michigan State as Carson Cooper even made one – only his second of the year.
As the Spartans looked to pushed the lead to double-digits,
they either shot themselves in the foot or Louisville had an answer after each MSU made field goal. Jeremy Fears didn’t have his best first half – he forced a couple midrange shots and missed two transition outlet passes. The whole team struggled with unforced turnovers and they’d end up with nine total by the end of the first half.
Trey Fort stepped up big off the bench for Michigan State, including an and-one three-pointer, now in back-to-back games. The Spartans were able to make a late push thanks to Fears finding Carr for on a lob on a baseline cut then knocking down a three. They took a 36-31 lead heading into halftime.
Despite having a five-point lead, it didn’t feel like the Spartans were playing good ball. Multiple of their nine turnovers were unforced and they gave up an uncommon six offensive rebounds to Louisville. There was almost a little disappointment in their game considering we’re used to a higher quality of play.
Whatever Izzo said to them at halftime, it lit a fire under Coen Carr. He had two back-to-back jams, one a lob from Fears. Yet, more Michigan State turnovers kept Louisville close. Fears was struggling from the field, but he found Trey Fort for another three and his 10th assist with 14 minutes still left in the game.
Louisville continued to have an answer after Michigan State tried to extend the lead. Once they got it within three, Fears found Fort again to respond and make it a 53-47 game. They were able to extend their lead to 13, the largest of the game, thanks to energy plays on both ends from Carr and a top of the key three from Kohler. After having a 63-50 lead with six minutes left, MSU was able to hold a double-digit lead until late in the game and would go on to win 77-69 to advance to the Sweet 16.
This was Coen Carr’s best game of his career. He finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, his first double-double ever. He knocked down two threes, including one late to hold MSU’s double-digit lead. Carr had multiple of his usual highlights, but he was everywhere on the court and his energy was apparent on both ends of the floor.
Jeremy Fears also had a career game, this time with 12 points and a whopping 16 assists – a new Michigan State NCAA Tournament record. He’s also the first Big Ten player ever to have double-digits assists in the firs two games of the tournament. He didn’t have an efficient night from the field, but there’s no doubt he’s the best playmaker in the country.
I feel so happy for Trey Fort. He had 12 points coming from four made three-pointers and every attempt he had tonight looked like it was going in. I’m glad Izzo’s giving him more minutes as this team could use some extra three-point shooting in their halfcourt offense. When he’s open, Fears will find him – and when Fears finds him, he lets it fly.
Michigan State needs to clean up the turnovers if they’ve got their eyes on the Elite Eight. They’ve been shooting it well from deep in the tournament and hopefully that hot hand continues later this week for their next game, whether that’s against UConn or UCLA.
Let’s keep the train rolling.
Go Green.
