Game 42 Michigan State vs. Princeton 1998
The Tigers, off their upset win in 1996, which we covered in the first round, began a dynasty in the Ivy League. They lost in the first round in 1997, but entered the 1998 Tournament with perhaps their strongest team ever, having lost once all year, to top seeded North Carolina. Somewhat ironically with a win over the Spartans, a rematch with the Tar Heels awaited.
Mateen Cleaves and the Big Ten champions were able to outlast Princeton on this night, winning a slugfest, as had been their custom. In the end, shooting 50% on 18 free throw attempts and a putrid 25% of three point attempts did the tigers in, as Sparty moved on to face North Carolina. Sadly for my defense lovers out there, no video of this one survived.
Mateen Cleaves and the Big Ten champions were able to outlast Princeton on this night, winning a slugfest, as had been their custom. In the end, shooting 50% on 18 free throw attempts and a putrid 25% of three point attempts did the tigers in, as Sparty moved on to face North Carolina. Sadly for my defense lovers out there, no video of this one survived.
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