Michigan State beats top seed and its former coach
Michigan State 63, Duke 49
David Goricki / The Detroit News
EAST LANSING -- The drama started before the game even began Tuesday night at Breslin Center.
It was former MSU coach Joanne P. McCallie's return and the Spartans fans gave her a chorus of boos as her name was introduced as Duke's head coach before the NCAA Tournament second-round game between the Spartans and Blue Devils.
The Spartans then sent McCallie's top-seeded Blue Devils to the sidelines.
Players were diving for the ball after the opening tip and the intensity didn't let up until the final buzzer, signifying a 63-49 MSU win.
The Spartans, the No. 9 seed, were playing with a "Nothing to Lose" attitude and a passion to fight for a spot in the Sweet Sixteen. They jumped out to a six-point first-half lead, then showed their poise after the Blue Devils pulled even in the second half.
The Spartans finished the game with a 16-2 run. They advance to the Sweet Sixteen in Berkeley, Calif., Saturday.
MSU, playing without a true point guard, received an outstanding performance from its lone senior Mia Johnson.
Johnson, benched as the starting shooting guard earlier this season, ran the offense and did a good job handling Duke's pressure. She also attacked the basket.
Johnson had 17 points, four assists and one turnover.
Johnson scored on consecutive driving layups to give the Spartans a 55-47 lead with 1:54 left.
Instead of MSU losing its poise, it was Duke which did.
MSU played strong interior defense against Duke. It held 6-foot-5 All-American Chante Black to four points.
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