V-Cast: Michigan State halfway to goal of winning the weekend, North Carolina up next
Charlotte, N.C. – Michigan State delivered a Round of 64 statement in the NCAA Tournament with a 69-51 win over Mississippi State at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte. Afterward, SpartanMag staffers Jim Comparoni and Paul Konyndyk checked in with the latest V-Cast.
V-CAST TOPICS
AKINS: Junior guard Jaden Akins had an impactful performance for Michigan State. Akins made shots, fought for rebounds and loose balls, and played strong defense in 33 minutes. This was a monster performance for Akins, a career 40 percent shooter from three, who has struggled in recent games to make shots. This version of Akins substantially raises the ceiling for Michigan State.
SISSOKO: Senior center Mady Sissoko was all but given up for washed up late in the season. In this game, however, Sissoko was instrumental in Michigan State playing solid defense and clearing the glass. The Spartans got nine rebounds out of Sissoko, who played 16 minutes off the bench in relief of Carson Cooper.
WALKER: Senior guard Tyson Walker led Michigan State in scoring with 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting in 34 minutes. Walker played a strong game on both ends of the floor, helping to limit dynamic Mississippi State freshman Josh Hubbard to 15 points, including 6-of-18 shooting overall and 3-of-11 from three.
NORTH CAROLINA: Michigan State’s reward for beating Mississippi State is a Round of 32 match-up with North Carolina in its own backyard. The Tar Heels have a good basketball team, but North Carolina will have its hands full against the Spartans if the Tom Izzo’s team can get a performance similar to the one that they delivered against Mississippi State.
