Michigan State routs North Dakota State in NCAA Tournament opener

Spartans cruise to 92-67 victory in first-round East Region matchup

Mar. 20, 2026 at 5:10am

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No. 3 seed Michigan State earned an easy 92-67 victory over 14th seed North Dakota State in a first-round East Region matchup of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. Carson Cooper matched his career high with 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Spartans, who shot 58.9% from the field and had 26 assists on 33 made field goals. Michigan State took control with an 18-2 run in the first half and led by 20 points at halftime.

Why it matters

The win advances Michigan State to the second round of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face sixth-seeded Louisville on Saturday. The Spartans are seeking their 29th NCAA Tournament appearance under head coach Tom Izzo, who has led the program to seven Final Fours and one national championship.

The details

Michigan State shot 63.0% in the second half and was led by Cooper's 20 points and 10 rebounds. Coen Carr added 17 points and Jeremy Fears Jr. had 11 assists for the Spartans. North Dakota State, the Summit League regular-season and tournament champions, were led by Damari Wheeler-Thomas with 16 points and Trevian Carson with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.

  • The game was played on Thursday, March 20, 2026 in Buffalo, New York.
  • Michigan State opened the game on an 18-2 run over a nearly six-minute stretch in the first half.

The players

Carson Cooper

A Michigan State player who matched his career high with 20 points and 10 rebounds in the win.

Coen Carr

A Michigan State player who scored 17 points in the victory.

Jeremy Fears Jr.

A Michigan State player who dished out 11 assists in the game.

Damari Wheeler-Thomas

A North Dakota State player who scored a team-high 16 points in the loss.

Trevian Carson

A North Dakota State player who had 11 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists in the game.

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What they’re saying

“I think this is what happens when you play with players for multiple years and stick with the same group and guys. You build that chemistry, that bond. I know where Coop is going to be, Coop knows where I'm going to be. And I can throw it to Coop with my eyes closed, and I know he'll catch it.”

— Jeremy Fears Jr., Michigan State Player

“Just got more in a little flow through the second half. And wish we started out like that. But we picked it up and we had fight in the second half, and that's what we needed from the jump.”

— Damari Wheeler-Thomas, North Dakota State Player

What’s next

Michigan State will face sixth-seeded Louisville in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday.

The takeaway

Michigan State's dominant performance, led by the veteran trio of Cooper, Carr and Fears Jr., showcased the Spartans' depth and chemistry as they advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. North Dakota State's late-game fight was not enough to overcome the Spartans' early onslaught.