Memphis hammers Michigan State, 92-74

HOUSTON -- Vulnerable? Not exactly. The Memphis Tigers humiliated Michigan State and embarrassed those naysayers who suggested they were the most suspect of the top-seeded teams in this year’s NCAA tournament.

The final score Friday night: Memphis 92, Michigan State 74, but it was worse than that with the Tigers holding a 50-20 lead over the fifth-seeded Spartans (27-9) by halftime.

Next up for Memphis (36-1)is the South Regional final Sunday against Texas.

“Everyone picked us to lose. We were the upset special,” Memphis Coach John Calipari said. “That was us. We were going to get outplayed, outcoached, outskilled, outhustled, out-this, out-that, and we can’t shoot free throws.”

Didn’t play out that way.

Freshman Derrick Rose will play at least one more college game after a 27-point, five-assist night.

He exited early in the second half with a cut on his forehead that required medical attention, but returned to the floor with 8 1/2 minutes left and took control again.

“Every game we’re the underdog for some reason,” said Memphis’ Chris Douglas-Roberts, who had 23 points. “We use it as motivation. It’s just getting old.”

On the other side, Michigan State senior standout Drew Neitzel ended his career with a seven-assist, six-point night, his first of two field goals coming on a three-point shot that clanged around the rim and fell with only 1:47 left. It was long over by then.

“That first half of basketball was one of the best I’ve been involved in as a coach,” Calipari said.