After four years away, Michigan State is back in the Sweet 16.
Warding off a spirited second-half comeback from Marquette, the Spartans downed the Golden Eagles, 69–60, in the second round of the men's NCAA tournament in Columbus on Sunday to reach the East Regional semifinals.
Guard Tyson Walker led the way for Michigan State, tallying 23 points. Forward Joey Hauser added 14 points and 10 rebounds in a game where Marquette held the Spartans to 2-for-16 shooting from beyond the three-point line.
Seeded second in the East, the Golden Eagles won the Big East tournament but couldn't overcome a Michigan State team that finished fourth in the Big Ten.
Forward Olivier-Maxence Prosper led Marquette with 16 points as star guard Tyler Kolek struggled, finishing with seven points.
The Golden Eagles previously trounced Vermont 78–61 in the first round, while the Spartans defeated USC 72–62.
Michigan State will face Kansas State, which defeated Kentucky, 75-69, earlier Sunday in Greensboro, N.C.
