Michigan State defeats Bryant 87-62 in NCAA opener

In the first round of the NCAA Tournament, second-seeded Michigan State defeated 15-seed Bryant 87-62, with Coen Carr leading the Spartans with 18 points and nine rebounds. Michigan State struggled early, trailing for much of the first half before taking control with a strong performance in the second half, ultimately outscoring Bryant significantly. The Spartans had five players score in double figures, showcasing their depth against a resilient Bryant team that made a strong start but faltered as the game progressed. Michigan State will advance to face 10th-seeded New Mexico, who defeated Marquette in their opening game. Despite the victory, the Spartans faced challenges with free throw shooting and early turnovers, emphasizing the need for improvement as the tournament continues. Carr's standout performance was crucial in overcoming Bryant's early lead and securing the win for Michigan State.