Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans are back in the Sweet 16 after a tough battle against the New Mexico Lobos in the NCAA Tournament’s Round of 32. After they were blitzed early, Sparty battled back from being down double-digits. Even with a disappointing showing from star freshman Jase Richardson, the team put together enough to secure the win 71-63.
Michigan State Battles Through Tough Start to Secure Sweet 16 Spot
In the first round, the Michigan State Spartans allowed the Bryant Bulldogs to score the first 5 points of the game. Sunday, the New Mexico Lobos began the game on a 7-0 run, causing head coach Tom Izzo to once again begin the evening with a cross look on his face.
While the team quickly ran away from their opponent in the Round of 64, New Mexico was a tougher challenge. The Lobos, coached by Richard Pitino, kept a double-digit lead for a good stretch of the first half thanks to strong drives and physical rebounding.
Jeff Lange, Jeff Lange / USA TODAY NETWORK Via Imagn Images
The game was waged mostly in the paint early, with both defenses being collapsed by drives on a consistent basis. As Michigan State got into their groove offensively, they relied on their guards to get into the lane and find shots for the team near the basket. Jeremy Fears and Tre Holloman were active down the stretch in the first half. The team shot 6-9 from the free throw line in the opening half,
Izzo’s crew ended with 28 free throw attempts, and although some of them were desperation fouls at the end by New Mexico, this figure equates to Michigan State’s aggressiveness when attacking the rim.
Sparty only shot 44.4% (26% from three) compared to New Mexico’s 48.2% (31% from deep), but being +14 from the free throw line helped to offset it. Jase Richardson, the freshman sensation, had a horrid 1-10 night and only ended with 5 points, but his teammates helped to pick up the slack. Jaden Akins led the way with 16 points, and Holloman and forward Frankie Fidler went for double-figures off the bench.
DANCIN’ INTO THE SWEET SIXTEEN pic.twitter.com/T5GnFQAoGr
— Michigan State Men’s Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) March 24, 2025
Tom Izzo and Jase Richardson Grateful for Team’s Determination in Hard-Fought Game
Tom Izzo reflected on his team’s slow start by saying that he felt that the group was too passive on defense. Even after they picked it up on that end, the Lobos shot a decent percentage, but the Spartans were able to make much better uses out of their stops.
“The first half of that game, that was as good of a barrage we’ve had hit us. It wasn’t that we were down a lot, ten points, but it just seemed like we weren’t guarding and they were making shots.”
Izzo reiterated that his team’s identity is three things: defend, rebound, and run. Once their defense began to string together some stops, the team was able to push the ball and create easier offense.
After the game, Richardson thanked his teammates for making up for his disappointing night. The young man admitted that he felt he had some good looks on the perimeter, but rushed multiple shots and had some unfortunate bounces. With a wry smile, Richardson said that he felt the rest of the Spartans played up to their standard.
“I think everybody just did their part besides me.”
Michigan State demonstrated tremendous character to win in such circumstances. After a slow start saw them playing from behind for the entire first half, without their outside shots falling (the team was just 4-15 from deep), and while their number one option having an off-night scoring the ball, Sparty still gritted out a tough win. The performance speaks to their “by any means necessary” attitude and ability to overcome. Teams that can win games in many different ways are the most dangerous units.
Heading into the second weekend, Izzo will now have to prepare for 6-seed Ole Miss, who will pose a tough challenge for the Spartans.
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