Michigan State tops Georgia, advances to Round of 32

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Michigan State Spartans outlasted the Georgia Bulldogs, 70-63, Friday to advance to the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32.

Michigan State got off to a slow start, trailing Georgia 11-5 early. But the Spartans came storming back and finished the half on an 11-2 run to lead 35-22 at the break.

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The Bulldogs cut the lead to 37-39 with 14:09 left after a Charles Mann jump shot, but Michigan State answered with another run to extend the lead back to double figures.

Georgia made another run to cut the lead to 66-63 with 20 seconds left, but the Spartans made just enough free throws down the stretch to seal the game away. Denzel Valentine went 6-6 in the final 30 seconds.

Michigan State was paced by senior guard Travis Trice, who scored 15 points and dished out six assists. Branden Dawson battled foul trouble to put up 14 points and seven boards. Valentine added 16 points, six assists and five rebounds.

Bryn Forbes came off the bench for Tom Izzo to score 14 points on 5-8 shooting.

Georgia was led by Mann, who scored 19 in the loss.

Now Michigan State awaits the winner of No. 2 Virginia and No. 15 Belmont in the third round. MSU beat one-seeded Virginia 61-59 to advance to the Elite 8 last season.