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No Warts Here: Memphis Dominates Michigan State

As Tigers break the Elite Eight for the third straight year on the back of a giant first half

By Lev Weinstein,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 29, 2008 2:29 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The Tigers pounced early and often, and all those flaws critics have been pointing out since the NCAA tourney began were nowhere to be seen, the Commercial Appeal reports. Memphis put on a clinic last night, breaking the game open 50-20 by the end of the first half, en route to a 92-74 demolishing of Michigan State. With the win, The Tigers earned their third straight appearance in the Elite Eight.

The fifth-seeded Spartans managed a mere 39.1 percent from the field, and were held scoreless for the final six minutes of the first half.  Top scorers Drew Neitzel and Raymar Morgan managed just three and seven points respectively, while the first-seeded Tigers' freshman phenom Derrick rose posted a career-best 27 points, bolstered by junior guard Chris Douglas-Roberts' 25.  

Memphis forward Joey Dorsey (3) dunks against Michigan State in the first half of the NCAA South Regional semifinal basketball game, Friday, March 28, 2008, in Houston.
Memphis forward Joey Dorsey (3) dunks against Michigan State in the first half of the NCAA South Regional semifinal basketball game, Friday, March 28, 2008, in Houston.   ((AP Photo/Pat Sullivan))
Memphis guard Andre Allen (15) and Memphis guard Antonio Anderson (5) exchange high-fives in the second half of the NCAA South Regional semifinal. Memphis beat Michigan State 92-74.
Memphis guard Andre Allen (15) and Memphis guard Antonio Anderson (5) exchange high-fives in the second half of the NCAA South Regional semifinal. Memphis beat Michigan State 92-74.   ((AP Photo/Eric Gay))
Michigan State guard Kalin Lucas, left, comforts teammate Travis Walton during the second half of an NCAA South Regional basketball tournament semifinal against Memphis.
Michigan State guard Kalin Lucas, left, comforts teammate Travis Walton during the second half of an NCAA South Regional basketball tournament semifinal against Memphis.   ((AP Photo/David J. Phillip))
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ESPN video coverage of Memphis/Michigan State
ESPN

Audio slideshow of Tigers' season
Commercial Appeal (Memphis)

ESPN box of Memphis/Michigan State
ESPN

 
NCAA basketball • Memphis Tigers • Michigan State Spartans • Derrick Rose • Big Ten Conference • Conference USA • Drew Neitzel • Chris Douglas-Roberts • Raymar Morgan • March Madness • 2008 NCAA Tournament

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