NCAA Tournament Scores 2012: Close Victory Only Makes Michigan State Stronger

The Michigan State Spartans squeaked out a narrow 65-61 victory over the St. Louis Billikens in the Round of 32, and they are a better team because of it. 

This is the exact kind of hard-fought and scrappy game that most champions have to endure at some point in their tournament run. And make no mistake about it, St. Louis was a tough opponent. 

The Billikens are talented and they had a game plan. Rick Majerus had his squad pulling out every trick in the book to slow this game down. And it worked. 

This clearly pulled the Spartans out of their comfort zone, and they were still able to prevail. This will give them a nice boost of confidence and valuable experience going forward. 

Not surprisingly, it was Draymond Green that led the Spartans past this tough challenge. Green was everywhere. 

He finished with 16 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and two steals. This sparkling performance came on the heels of his triple-double in the Spartans' tournament opener. 

He was everywhere he needed to be in the clutch, and he made sure his team wasn't going to lose. 

Green is the exact kind of leader a championship team needs. He can steady them when things get close and rise above the moment when others freeze up. 

Michigan State now moves onto the Sweet 16 against Louisville, and they do so with the confidence that when things get close and the drama increases that they will not shrink in the moment.