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Why MSU turned to Carter-Tillman over Jackson-Ward combo

As the clock wound down Sunday afternoon in what turned out to be Michigan State’s final game of the season, the Spartans were desperate to score points.

It was the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Little Caesars Arena, and while 11th-seeded Syracuse was playing a stifling 2-3 zone defense, it was hardly lighting up the scoreboard. The chance was there for Michigan State to win – if it could just simply put the ball in the basket.

Instead, the Spartan missed their final 14 shots over a span of more than five minutes as Syracuse knocked off third-seeded Michigan State, 55-53.