Marquette’s hopes of reaching the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament were shattered by Michigan State, who defeated them 69-60 in the round of 32. Despite being the top scorer with 16 points, Marquette’s Olivier-Maxence Prosper could not save his team from the Spartans’ onslaught. Michigan State’s Joey Hauser was the highest scorer for the Spartans with 14 points.
Marquette had a successful season under Coach Smart, winning their first Big East Tournament title and exceeding expectations. However, their nine-game winning streak ended against Michigan State due to turnovers that cost them 11 of their 16 turnovers and led to 19 points for the Spartans.
Michigan State’s win has earned them a place in the East Region semifinals, where they will face third-seeded Kansas State. Meanwhile, Marquette’s season has come to an abrupt end, and they must now reflect on their accomplishments and plan for the next season.
Marquette’s Tournament Run Cut Short by Michigan State
Marquette’s dreams of making it to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2013 were dashed by Michigan State Spartans in the round of 32 of the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans defeated the Golden Eagles 69-60 in Columbus, Ohio on Sunday.
The Game
Olivier-Maxence Prosper was the top scorer for second-seeded Marquette (29-7), contributing 16 points, while Kam Jones added 14 points, including three 3-pointers. Marquette transfer Joey Hauser was the top scorer for the Spartans, recording 14 points.
Michigan State took an early lead, stretching their advantage to 12 points in the first half. However, back-to-back 3-pointers from Ben Gold and Prosper helped Marquette close the gap to 33-28 by halftime. Prosper hit two more 3-pointers in the first minute of the second half to give Marquette their first lead of the day, but Michigan State responded with an 8-0 run to regain the lead and held onto it until the end.
The Spartans sealed their victory with back-to-back baskets by AJ Hoggard and Gabe Brown, both of which came as the shot clock expired. Mady Sissoko’s block on consecutive possessions and Joshua Langford’s steal followed by a dunk with 39 seconds remaining further secured the Spartans’ win.
Marquette’s Season
Marquette had a successful season under the guidance of Coach Smart, exceeding expectations and winning their first Big East Tournament title. However, their nine-game winning streak came to an end against a tough opponent in Michigan State. Marquette’s turnovers in the second half proved costly, as they committed 11 of their 16 turnovers, leading to 19 Spartans points.
Coach Smart acknowledged Michigan State’s aggressiveness as a key factor in the outcome of the game. He said, “I thought (Michigan State) played with great aggressiveness, particularly early in the game and at the very end of the game. And those two stretches were the difference in the outcome of the game.”
Next Steps
Michigan State’s win has earned them a spot in the East Region semifinals, where they will face third-seeded Kansas State on Thursday. Meanwhile, Marquette’s season has come to an abrupt end, leaving them to reflect on their accomplishments and plan for next season.
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