Marquette’s return to the round of 32 for the first time since 2013 came to an end in their match against Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans on Sunday. Despite Marquette’s best efforts, Michigan State’s strong play was able to carry them to victory and end Marquette’s run in the round of 32. Michigan State secured a 69-60 win, advancing to the East Region semifinals to face third-seeded Kansas State. Olivier-Maxence Prosper led second-seeded Marquette with 16 points, while Kam Jones had 14 points. The Golden Eagles were able to close within 33-28 at halftime after Michigan State led by as many as 12 in the first half. However, the Spartans were able to regain the lead and hold on until the end of the game. Marquette committed 11 of their 16 turnovers in the second half, which led to 19 Spartans points. Overall, Michigan State’s great aggressiveness at the beginning and end of the game proved to be the difference in the outcome of the game.
Marquette’s Tournament Run Ends in the Round of 32
Marquette’s return to the round of 32 for the first time since 2013 came to an end in their match against Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans on Sunday. The Spartans secured a 69-60 win, advancing to the East Region semifinals to face third-seeded Kansas State.
Despite the loss, Olivier-Maxence Prosper led second-seeded Marquette (29-7) with 16 points and Kam Jones had 14 points, including three 3-pointers, for the Big East champions. The Golden Eagles were able to close within 33-28 at halftime after Michigan State led by as many as 12 in the first half, thanks to back-to-back 3-pointers made by Ben Gold and Prosper.
Marquette then managed to take the lead with two more 3-pointers from Prosper at the start of the second half. However, Michigan State responded with an 8-0 run to regain the lead and held on until the end of the game. Back-to-back baskets by Hoggard and then Walker, both times as the shot clock expired, gave the Spartans a 60-55 lead with 2:20 left. Mady Sissoko then blocked shots on consecutive Marquette possessions, and Walker had a steal followed by a game-sealing dunk with 39 seconds left.
The Golden Eagles committed 11 of their 16 turnovers in the second half, which led to 19 Spartans points. Marquette’s nine-game winning streak came to an end, concluding a season in which the Golden Eagles exceeded expectations under coach Smart, who has referred to Izzo as a mentor.
Marquette entered the game fresh off their first Big East Tournament title and a dominating victory against Vermont in the first round of March Madness. However, Michigan State proved to be a much tougher opponent.
“I thought (Michigan State) played with great aggressiveness, particularly early in the game and at the very end of the game,” said Smart. “And those two stretches were the difference in the outcome of the game.”
Overall, despite Marquette’s best efforts, Michigan State’s strong play was able to carry them to victory and end Marquette’s run in the round of 32.
Don’t miss interesting posts on Famousbio
