After Great Start, Miami Collapses Against Michigan State

A Bruce Brown dunk 6:47 into the game put the Miami Hurricanes up 17-5 in their first round NCAA Tournament game with Michigan State. That came on the heels of a 10-0 run to begin the game. It was all Michigan State from that point on as the Spartans crushed Miami 78-58.

On the strength of being able to turn the Spartans over four times during the dominant opening run, Miami was able to get easy baskets in transition. The Hurricanes made seven of their first 12 shots to open the 12 point lead. They shot 4-14 the reminder of the first half.

Miami’s defense which had been elite all season, faltered against Michigan State. After starting 1-6, MSU shot 13-22 for the remainder of the half and finished at 56.6 percent. They made 29 of their last 47 shots for the game.

All the factors that were critical for a Miami victory failed them. They had eight assists against 10 turnovers, got out rebounded 36-23, Bruce Brown struggled, their defense failed them and they allowed their third highest point total of the season as they were unable to control tempo.

Miami Head Coach Jim Larranga discussed what hurt his team after the game, and the season:

"“I thought Michigan State really controlled the backboards and executed very well…It’s disappointing to lose, certainly, but it’s more disappointing that we didn’t play the kind of defense that we’d been playing for most of the season.“But I’m very, very proud of my guys — it’s a very young team that made it to the big dance.”"

Miami’s young players have made an impact all season, but it was Michigan State’s freshmen that fueled the Spartans comeback. Miles Bridges, Nick Ward and Joshua Langford blitzed the Hurricanes for 50 points on 21-31 from the floor, had 18 rebounds, and made four of their eight three point attempts.

The Spartans huge rebounding edge also led to a 17-6 advantage on second-chance points and 40 points in the paint. Miami’s rebounding and defense which had been their strengths all season failed them on Friday night.

With the loss, Davon Reed and Kamari Murphy played their last games in a Miami uniform. Brown and Ja’Quan Newton will be counted on to lead the Hurricanes next season.

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Miami will bring in the best recruiting class in school history on the heels of this year’s class that previously was given that distinction. Guards Lonnie Walker and Chris Lykes should get a lot of playing time with Walker likely to take Reed’s spot in the starting lineup.

A 28-6 run in the first half is what got Michigan State back into the game and eventually turned the 17-5 deficit into a 33-23 lead. The Spartans extended the lead to 38-27 at the half. MSU began the second half on a 13-5 run, Miami never got closer than 11 the remainder of the game.

Next: Talking With Former Miami QB Ryan Collins

The run stretching over both halves was 47-15. Michigan State gets number one seeded Kansas next in the second round.

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