We are officially one Michigan State basketball game into the NCAA Tournament and we already have another double-digit win for the Spartans.
Michigan State shook off a sluggish start that saw it drop behind 5-0 early to race to a five-point halftime lead and eventually a 25-point win that was capped off with a downright disrespectful dunk by Jaden Akins as well as a bucket by Nick Sanders.
This game truly had it all.
Bryant was confident heading into this game but the Spartans shut that down in the second half, no longer entertaining the Bulldogs' upset effort. It was all Michigan State in the final 20 minutes, scoring 54 second-half points and winning by 25.
By beating Bryant, Michigan State advances to the second round for a fourth straight season, setting up a Round of 32 date with Richard Pitino and New Mexico. The Lobos shocked Shaka Smart and Marquette in the first round, getting that matchup with the Spartans on Sunday night.
But what time will Michigan State see New Mexico on Sunday?
Date: Sunday, March 23
Time: 8:40 p.m. ET
TV: TNT
Live Stream: FuboTV
New Mexico has one of the best mid-major players in the country in Donovan Dent who averages over 20 points per game and that will be a tough test for the Spartans and their guards. They will need to defend the perimeter at an elite level again but if they play like they did on Friday night, they shouldn't have a problem.
Drink your caffeine on Sunday, folks, it might be another long night.