MSU (29-6) erased a 13-point first half deficit and fought back to tie the game twice — each with less than nine minutes remaining.

Even though MSU was out-rebounded 37-31 and out-shot (45 percent to 39), the Spartans managed to stay just close enough to come back in the end.

“We made big plays, we stayed together, we kept composed and there were a lot of times where we could have folded and went against each other, but we made a run,” senior guard Travis Walton said. “We stuck together and made some big shots at the end and it carried over until the end.”

Suton vs. Aldrich
A look inside the big-man matchup Friday night between senior center Goran Suton and Kansas’ 6-foot-11 center Cole Aldrich:

Suton — 20 points, nine rebounds, one block, five steals

Aldrich — 17 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, four blocks

It was a very even matchup between two traditional centers who carried their teams to the Sweet 16. Although Suton won the trip to the Elite Eight, he admitted afterward it was tough to go up against Aldrich.

“It’s tough to guard a guy like him who’s long, heavy, strong down low,” Suton said. “I knew he was going to be tired because he’s working down there. We had to run some ball screens and make him guard me too, so we could get him tired on the other end.”

Staying alive
For Suton and Walton, every game they play from now on could be their last. Although both players are intently focused on winning during the game, don’t think the thought of them possibly playing their last collegiate game is out of their minds.

Suton admitted afterward that it keeps them going.

“Oh yeah, we came in the huddle and Travis said, ‘Stick together, stick together,’ and that’s what we’ve been doing the whole season,” Suton said. “For us it’s now or never and all we ask for is a chance to play in the Final Four.”

MSU most elite of the eight
With the win, the Spartans advance to their sixth Elite Eight in the past 11 years, the most appearances during that stretch in the nation.

“I’m proud for that,” Izzo said. “I’m proud for our players of the past … now I’m proud for the Kalins and Travis’s and the (Sutons) and all the other guys because it means we sustained something and are still building.”