Michigan State has made a habit of pulling out tough games in March, and they did it again today as they kept a pesky Iowa Hawkeyes team from beating them for a second time this season, and possibly putting their tournament bid in jeopardy.
With 1:37 left in the game Iowa's Zach McCabe sunk a three pointer to pull the Hawkeyes within 1 point at 61-62. Michigan State's senior Durrell Summers though stepped up huge for the Spartans in the final minute, draining four straight freethrows and grabbing a key rebound to finally dispatch Iowa 66-61.
This game was anything but easy for Tom Izzo's crew though, who fell behind by as much as seven points with 10:41 to go. Draymond Green's 21 points and 14 rebounds proved to be the difference for the Spartans though as Iowa's front line could not stop the 6'7" 230 junior.
With this victory, however ugly it may be, Michigan State survives to get a crack at No.9 Purdue tomorrow, and keeps their tournament hopes alive for at least another day. Given the Spartans' reputation for winning close ugly games, they should not be counted out against the Boilermakers, and could still make some noise yet this March,