Spartans Deliver Disappointing End to Louisville's Run

(2) Michigan State 64
(1) Louisville 52

NCAA Tournament National Quarterfinal

Michigan State controlled the second half against Louisville yesterday and will be rewarded with an appearance in the NCAA Tournament's Final Four. For the Spartans, the road to the Final Four will be a short one, literally. They will travel approximately 90 miles from East Lansing to Ford Field in Detroit where they will face Connecticut in a national semifinal. The other semifinal will be a battle between North Carolina and Villanova.

Michigan State (30-6) was only up 30-27 at the half, but took advantage of cold Louisville shooting in the second half to stretch the lead. The Spartans were led by Goran Suton with 19 points and 10 rebounds, including 17 first half points. Durrell Summers added 12 points and Kalin Lucas chipped in 10 for Michigan State. The Spartans shot 46.2% from the field, including 8-16 from beyond the three-point line.

For Louisville (31-6), the story was ice cold shooting, particularly in the second half. The Cardinals shot only 38.3% for the game, including 6-16 from deep. The most disappointing stat may have been shooting 55.6% (10-18) from the free throw line. The Cardinals were out-rebounded 35-27 for the game. Earl Clark led Louisville with 19 points. Preston Knowles added 11.

This is a disappointing end to a great season for Louisville. They entered the tournament as the top overall seed and were picked by many to make the Final Four. Louisville coach Rick Pitino gave all the credit to Michigan State and Tom Izzo. He credited Michigan State for playing a physical, deliberate style that finally broke the Cardinals -- just as Izzo choreographed it.

Game Recap from ESPN

Box Score from ESPN