Spartans Play Like Team to Beat

Michigan State, the top-seeded team in the Midwest Region and the favorite of many to claim the national championship after a series of upsets last week eliminated other contenders, overcame a 14-point deficit in the second half and beat fourth-seeded Syracuse, 75-58, Thursday night.

In the process, the Spartans made a believer of Syracuse guard Tony Bland.

“I’ve watched college basketball for a long time,” he said. “I think they’re one of the best teams, not just that I saw play this year, but saw play in a long time.

“I think they have the elements they need to win a national championship.”

Playing about 80 miles from the East Lansing campus and before a partisan crowd at the Palace of Auburn Hills, the Spartans jumped to an 11-3 lead, but then collapsed. They shot 33.3% in the first half, with point guard Mateen Cleaves missing all six attempts, and trailed, 34-24, at the break. The deficit grew to 40-26 only 1:04 into the second half.

“I had to pick up the pieces at halftime when I got to the locker room,” Michigan State Coach Tom Izzo said. “Mateen did most of the challenging. He did a heck of a job in talking to them. He helps do my job when I’m not there.”

From there, though, Michigan State (29-7) outscored Syracuse (26-6), 49-18. The highlight was a 10-2 run that included three-point baskets by Morris Peterson and Charlie Bell and provided a 63-58 cushion, part of the Spartans recovering to shoot 68% in the second half.

“At halftime, I didn’t think we were playing hard,” Cleaves said. “I don’t mind guys missing shots. I don’t mind if things aren’t going right. But if you’re not playing hard, then I’m going to get in your face.”

The Orangemen never threatened again, ending a season that began with 19 consecutive victories but took a nose-dive with six defeats in the last 13 games.

Peterson finished with five three-point baskets and a game-high 21 points. A.J. Granger added 19 points, and Cleaves made his final four shots and four of six in all in the second half.

“Morris Peterson hit some tough three-point shots,” Syracuse guard Jason Hart said. “I’d bet if he took some of those shots again, they wouldn’t go in. But big-time players make big plays. He’s a big-time player.”

Syracuse, which shot 53.8% in the first half and 38.5% in the second, got a team-high 14 points from Allen Griffin off the bench. Hart, a senior point guard from Inglewood High, had 11 points, 10 assists and three steals.

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The Associated Press contributed to this story.