With second-seeded Michigan State set to face tenth-seeded Minnesota in the second round of the NCAA tournament Saturday, the rematch between the two Big Ten rivals may be decided by the big men inside.
It didn't matter if there was a hand in Kenny Goins' face or not.
Upset about a lack of defensive effort, MSU coach Tom Izzo yelled at freshman forward Aaron Henry, and some on Twitter and in national media thought he crossed a line into physical intimidation and emotional abuse.
Despite a 24-point win against Minnesota earlier this season, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo isn't looking forward to the rematch on Saturday in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
After second-seeded Michigan State defeated No. 15 Bradley 76-65 Thursday at Wells Fargo Arena in the first round of the NCAA tournament, the focus now turns to a familiar opponent.
Conner George knew he had to be ready if the time came.
The turnovers came in a flash for Michigan State, five in a three-minute span midway through the second half Thursday afternoon at Wells Fargo Arena.
Tom Izzo stood outside the locker room after Michigan State’s 76-65 victory over Bradley, and glared defiantly at a reporter.
Cassius Winston scored a game-high 26 points as second-seeded Michigan State hung on late to survive No. 15 Bradley, 76-65, at the Wells Fargo Center in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday.
Kenny Goins missed a free-throw with just over a minute remaining in regulation, causing a bronx cheer from an assortment of fans to fill Wells Fargo Center on Thursday afternoon.
Michigan State junior Allyson Geer-Park has been named the Big Ten Co-Golfer of the week, along with Harriet Allsebrook of Rutgers.
The No. 9 seeded Spartans will travel to South Bend this weekend to compete against No. 8 seeded Central Michigan Chippewas in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
Merchant, a four year starter and three year captain for Central (1988-91), held the school’s record for assists until senior guard Presley Hudson broke it this past season.
The rest of Bennett Hammond’s family was decked out in green and white watching Michigan State’s open practice at the Wells Fargo Arena on Wednesday, but not him.
Kyle Ahrens sat in Michigan State's locker room Wednesday, trying to explain to reporters the anatomy of his now-sprained left ankle.
At the beginning of the season, Michigan State was in an ideal situation at the wing spot.
The goal for second-seeded Michigan State is clear as it heads to Des Moines, Iowa, this weekend for the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
“We feel like we play defense like no other team they’ve played. That alone gives us a chance regardless of who they have and who we have. As long as we play defense, we have a chance, and I like our chances.”
Bradley coach Brian Wardle sees resemblances of Michigan State in his team.
Watch Michigan State players Cassius Winston, Kenny Goins, Xavier Tillman and Kenny Goins talk with reporters on Wednesday ahead of No. 2 MSU's first-round matchup with No. 15 Bradley.