Michigan State Cruises Past North Dakota State to Advance in 2026 NCAA Tournament

The No. 3 seed Michigan State Spartans made a commanding statement in the first round of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, routing the No. 14 seed North Dakota State Bison 92-67. Behind a dominant interior presence and efficient shooting, the Spartans secured a decisive victory on Thursday, March 19, at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

Cooper’s Career Night Leads the Charge

Center Carson Cooper was the catalyst for the Spartans’ offense, delivering a standout performance to match his career-high of 20 points. Cooper’s efficiency was on full display, shooting 7-of-9 from the field and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. In addition to his scoring, Cooper hauled in 10 rebounds, anchoring a Michigan State frontcourt that overwhelmed the Bison.

Other key contributors included forward Jaxon Kohler, who added 12 points and nine rebounds, including three successful three-pointers. The Spartans’ depth was further highlighted by the presence of Coen Carr, who provided several high-impact dunks throughout the contest.

Statistically Dominant Performance

Michigan State controlled the tempo from the opening tip, utilizing a high-percentage offensive attack and a stifling defense that held North Dakota State to just 25 points in the first half. The Spartans shot 59% from the field (33-of-56) and 50% from beyond the arc (10-of-20), according to ESPN.

Key Game Statistics

• Final Score: Michigan State 92, North Dakota State 67
• Field Goal Percentage: MSU 59% | NDSU 44%
• Three-Point Percentage: MSU 50% | NDSU 24%
• Free Throw Percentage: MSU 89% | NDSU 65%
• Rebounds: MSU 35 | NDSU 23

Playmaking and Pace

Point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. Played a pivotal role in orchestrating the Spartans’ offense. Fears Jr. Recorded 11 assists for the game, nearly reaching the program’s all-time NCAA tournament single-game assist record of 14, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. His ability to find open shooters and penetrate the Bison defense kept North Dakota State on their heels for the duration of the game.

Looking Ahead: Second Round Matchup

With this victory, Michigan State advances to the second round of the tournament. The Spartans are now scheduled to face the No. 6 seed Louisville Cardinals on Saturday, March 21. A win in that matchup will propel Michigan State into the Sweet 16, a milestone the program has achieved in two of its last three seasons.

Quick Takeaways