Tom Izzo, No. 2 Michigan State Saluted by Fans After March Madness Win vs. New Mexico

Jaden Akins led Tom Izzo and the No. 2 Michigan State Spartans to a 71-63 win over the University of New Mexico Lobos on Sunday to advance to the Sweet 16.

Akins finished the night with 16 points while shooting 7-of-11 from the field in the victory. Off the bench, Tre Hollomon added 14 points and four assists and Frankie Fidler finished with 10 points.

Michigan State’s Jase Richardson, who averaged 12.1 points on 51 percent shooting this season, struggled with just six points.

On the other side of the court, senior Nelly Junior Joseph posted 16 points, shooting 7-of-9 from the field in addition to 14 points from Mustapha Amzil, who shot 6-of-8 from the field.

Fans saluted the Spartans and coach Izzo as they advanced to the Sweet 16 with their comeback win over New Mexico. 

Michigan State struggled out the gate as New Mexico opened with strong defense and a 7-0 run. Jaxon Kohler stopped the bleeding with a layup off a Richardson assist.

The Lobos extended their lead to nine before Akins and Coen Carr responded, combining for eight points to pull the Spartans back in. An 8-0 Michigan State run to close the half cut the deficit to just two at the break.

Szymon Zapala opened the second half with a basket as Michigan State started on a 6-0 run to take its first lead. Holloman added five points in the half, while Akins contributed eight. Up by 10 with 1:30 left, the Spartans sealed the win at the free-throw line.

The Spartans will face Ole Miss on Friday in a Sweet 16 matchup at State Farm Arena in Atlanta Georgia.