CLEVELAND — There’s something to be said about the Michigan State basketball ethos of strength in numbers.Particularly when the luxury becomes necessity, in the NCAA tournament with the season on the line.It has become somewhat of a cliché phrase 35 games into the Spartans’ season.
But it gets overused only because of how Tom Izzo has juggled his rotation, with different players repeatedly stepping to the forefront for their shining moment.“I feel like we've had a lot of games like this, where everybody just contributes in their own way,” junior Coen Carr said Sunday night. “So just for us to have another one on this stage is just great.
”SHAWN WINDSOR: Michigan State's win to make Sweet 16 brought Tom Izzo to tears. It's no wonderAs burgeoning star Jase Richardson endured one of the worst shooting games of his phenomenal freshman season, the contributions from others ensured No. 2 seed MSU wouldn’t make an early exit from March Madness.
Tre Holloman and Jaden Akins jumpstarting the sluggish offense by driving to the basket repeatedly to recover from a 10-point deficit before halftime.Szymon Zapala going beast-mode on the boards to set the tone for a second-half comeback.Frankie Fidler putting together his most important stretch as a Spartan with eight second-half points.
Carson Cooper attacking the glass and clogging the paint, getting the transition offense in motion with quick outlets.And, while missing his first nine shots, Richardson contributing any way p.