(2) Michigan State 64, (1) Louisville 52
No. 2 Michigan State remained patient for 40 minutes and dictated the pace of the game to beat No. 1 Louisville 64-52. Sophomore point guard Kalin Lucas executed a strong game plan that protected the ball against Louisville’s trapping, aggressive defense. Senior forward Goran Suton had 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Spartans, who shot 46 percent from the field.
Louisville’s offense could not solve Michigan State’s defense, shooting only 38 percent. Edgar Sosa, Terrence Williams, Samardo Samuels and Andre McGee combined for only two made field goals and nine points. The quartet averages nearly 38 points per game.
Both teams kept the game tight for most of the first 30 minutes. Neither team led by more than three points before Michigan State built a cushion with a 9-1 run, and the Cardinals couldn’t hit enough shots to rally.
