No. 3 Spartans Cruise Past No. 14 NDSU 92–67 in March Opener

BUFFALO, N.Y. — No. 3 seed Michigan State built a commanding 45–25 halftime lead and never looked back, cruising to a 92–67 win over No. 14 seed North Dakota State at KeyBank Center in front of 17,182 fans, led by Carson Cooper’s 20-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Michigan State shot 33-of-56 (59%) from the field and buried 10-of-20 (50%) from three, a combination that made it nearly impossible for the Bison to keep pace. North Dakota State was respectable overall at 25-of-57 (44%), but couldn’t match the perimeter production, finishing 6-of-25 (24%) beyond the arc.

The Story: Efficiency + Control

Michigan State’s offense was balanced and connected. The Spartans posted an impressive 26 assists on 33 made field goals, consistently turning good possessions into great ones—especially when paint touches collapsed the defense and opened kick-out threes.

The Glass Was a Problem for NDSU

Michigan State controlled the boards 35–23, limiting second chances and keeping the Bison from generating extra possessions. That rebounding edge helped MSU play clean, organized basketball—secure the stop, clear the glass, and flow right into offense.

Free Throws Helped Widen the Margin

The Spartans were sharp at the line, going 16-of-18 (89%) compared to 11-of-17 (65%) for North Dakota State, turning control into separation as the game moved into the late stages.

Inside-Out Balance

Even with the three-point shooting, Michigan State still did damage in the paint, outscoring NDSU 44–34 inside. If the Bison chased shooters, MSU punished them at the rim; if they packed the lane, the Spartans made them pay from outside.

Final Take

This was textbook “take care of business.” Michigan State shot it at an elite level, shared the ball, owned the glass, and closed possessions—exactly the kind of composed March performance that turns an opener into a statement.