Michigan State survives, edges Davidson 74-73 in NCAAs
Associated PressThe AP Top 25 men’s college basketball poll is back every week throughout the season! GREENVILLE, S.C. — Michigan State was tough enough to take back the lead in a critical moment, then fortunate enough to withstand Davidson’s desperation final charge. The Spartans survived regardless, getting a career-high 27 points from Joey Hauser to edge the Wildcats 74-73 on Friday night in the NCAA Tournament’s first round. But despite a national title and eight Final Four trips on his resume, Izzo hasn’t had much success against his counterpart: He’s just 3-12 in 15 tries against Coach K. BIG PICTURE Davidson: The Wildcats had a big year, winning the Atlantic 10 regular-season title and cracking the Top 25 briefly for the first time in seven years. After Hoggard attacked the paint for a score, Hauser hit a 3-pointer then Brown followed with a corner one on the next possession to push Michigan State to a 59-56 lead.