CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michigan State used dominate backcourt play to top Mississippi State in the opening round of the NCAA basketball tournament on Thursday afternoon 69-51.
Tyson Walker led the Spartans with 19 points, while Jaden Akins added 15 points. The Spartans jumped out to a 20-8 lead with 10:20 remaining in the first half and built their lead by shooting eight 3s in the first 12 shot attempts.
The Spartans gave head coach Tom Izzo his 56th career win in the NCAA Tournament. Next up is likely a date with North Carolina on Saturday in a second round matchup.
Comments