Michigan State University (MSU) became the first No. 1 seed to be eliminated from the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament after falling to No. 4 Louisville, 57-44, March 22 at the US Airways Center in Phoenix, Ariz.
Louisville suffocated MSU with its defense, holding senior guard Brandon Wood to just 14 points. MSU went on to finish with only 44 points, the fewest points scored by a No. 1 seed in the tournament during the shot-clock era. Meanwhile, Louisville relied on its three-point shooting, creating enough of a cushion to escape with the win and advance to the Elite Eight.
Louisville will face No. 7 Florida, who also pulled off a Sweet 16 upset by beating No. 3 Marquette.
Freshman Bradley Beal led Florida with 21 points, making 8-of-10 shots from the field. Marquette senior Jae Crowder, the Big East Player of the Year, struggled and scored only 15 points on 5-for-15 shooting.
Florida head coach Billy Donovan will face Louisville coach Rick Pitino, who coached Donovan at Providence College and for one year on the New York Knicks. The matchup is scheduled for March 24 at 4:30 pm.