Michigan State coach Tom Izzo is not a big fan of the transfer portal in general, lamenting that it gives young people an easy out instead of an opportunity to overcome challenges at a potentially pivotal time in their lives. But the Spartans are not alone in relying on transfers.
The 7th-seeded Spartans will face the 3rd-seeded Wildcats in the East Region semifinals Thursday in New York.
Can Fairleigh Dickinson keep the magic going as just the second 16 seed to knock off a No. 1?
Fairleigh Dickinson became the second No. 16 seed in history to win an NCAA Tournament game, stunning top-seeded Purdue 63-58 behind 19 points from Sean Moore and a relentless, hustling defense on Friday night. The shortest team in the tourney, the Knights showed no fear in swarming 7-foot-4 All-America center Zach Edey from the start. FDU’s players were quicker and more composed than the Big Ten champion Boilermakers.
No. Name Ht. Year PPG 20 Joey Hauser 6-9 Jr. 12.1 0 Aaron Henry 6-6 Jr. 12.0 15 Thomas Kithier 6-8 Jr. 2.6 2 Rocket Watts (above) 6-2 So. 11.7 1 Josh Langford 6-5 Sr. 8.2
Joey Hauser (above), a Stevens Point native who was heavily recruited by UW both out of high school and after leaving Marquette following the 2018-19 season, was held to five points in Michigan State’s 79-65 loss at Northwestern on Sunday. Hauser has had issues with both of his knees this season. … Gabe Brown (51.7%), Foster Loyer (42.3) and Hauser (38.7) are Michigan State’s top 3-point threats. … Michigan State has assists on 74% of its made field goals.
Coach: Tom Izzo (25th season, 606-232)
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