MSU Prepares for Key Matchup Against New Mexico in NCAA Tournament

CLEVELAND — The seventh-ranked Michigan State Spartans are gearing up to face the 10th-seeded New Mexico Lobos in a critical second-round NCAA Tournament matchup on Sunday at Rocket Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:40 p.m. ET on TNT.

After a successful opening game against Bryant, the Spartans aim to continue their momentum and secure a spot in the Sweet 16. Head coach Tom Izzo has emphasized the importance of maintaining a flexible and adaptive strategy, which has become a hallmark of the team’s performance this season.

“Defend, rebound and run” has been the mantra for MSU as they prepare to face a New Mexico team that has demonstrated similar tenacity. Junior forward Jaxon Kohler highlighted the unique capability of the Spartans to blend speed and physicality. “It’s very hard to have both in one team… the fact that we can do both just shows how special this team is,” said Kohler.

New Mexico, although lacking depth, brings formidable talent to the court, with honorable mention All-American point guard Donovan Dent leading the charge. Dent averages 20.6 points and 6.4 assists per game, helping New Mexico rank third in the nation with 16.21 fastbreak points per game.

“We’re going to have to form a wall and kind of corral him,” Izzo remarked, expressing concern over Dent’s ability to push the pace. “He’s very good at it.”

While the Lobos defeated 7-seed Marquette in their last outing, the Spartans hold advantages in depth and size, with a record of 28-6. Both teams will need to control the pace of play, an essential factor in determining the winner.

Lobos coach Richard Pitino acknowledged the challenges posed by Michigan State’s unconventional style. “For the casual observer, you would think they’re a slow, plodding physical team… but they’re trying to score early,” he said.

In addition to Dent, New Mexico’s big man, Nelly Junior Joseph, presents a significant challenge. The 6-foot-10 senior averages 14.1 points and 11.1 rebounds per game. “They do not play like that,” Pitino noted, referring to perceptions of traditional Big Ten basketball.

According to NCAA statistics, 2-seed teams have historically performed well against 10-seeds, holding a record of 36-19 in such matchups since the tournament’s expansion in 1985. Recent tournaments, however, have seen a decline in 10-seed successes, with only two victories in the last decade.

<pAs anticipation builds for the matchup, MSU looks to leverage their experience and versatility to pull away in the second half. Local sports analysts predict a competitive game, with expectations of a Spartans victory, showcasing their unique blend of size and speed.

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