CLEVELAND – In an intense matchup, 15th-seeded Bryant faced off against second-seeded Michigan State in the First Round of the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championships. Although Bryant trailed by just five points at halftime, Michigan State pulled ahead, clinching an 87-62 victory. This loss marked the end of an incredible season for Bryant, the 2025 America East Regular Season and Tournament Champions. The team’s final record stands at 23-12, setting a new program record for wins in a single season at the Division I level.
Rafael Pinzon shone brightly, scoring 21 points and grabbing five rebounds. Earl Timberlake contributed 14 points, four rebounds, and five assists, showcasing his versatility. Other significant contributions came from Barry Evans with seven points and Connor Withers, who added five points along with solid defensive play.
Key Highlights of the Game:
- Michigan State went on an 11-2 run in the second half, which ultimately created an insurmountable lead.
- The game began with Evans hitting a three-pointer right off the bat. Bryant started strong, holding Michigan State scoreless for over three minutes.
- An exciting three-pointer from Pinzon put Bryant ahead 19-15, energizing their fans.
- As the first half wound down, Timberlake’s basket kept the game close, finishing the half at 33-28.
The second half saw Bryant struggle to keep pace. They briefly closed the gap to six points but couldn’t keep up as MSU quickly extended their lead again. The Spartans capitalized on their rebounding advantage and scored 31 points off offensive rebounds, which underscored their dominance on the court.
Game Statistics:
Bryant shot 37.1% from the field and struggled with three-pointers, hitting only 20.8%. They managed to keep turnovers low, with just seven throughout the game. In contrast, Michigan State excelled with a 54-29 advantage in rebounds and more efficient scoring in the paint.
Season Context and Player Insights:
This was Bryant’s second appearance in the NCAA Tournament, and their journey this season will be remembered. Timberlake marked his 29th game scoring in double figures this season, capping his college career with impressive stats: 1,532 points, 908 rebounds, 413 assists, 133 blocks, and 125 steals. Meanwhile, Pinzon joined a select group in Bryant’s history, becoming the 11th player to surpass 1,000 points in Division I.
In an era where college basketball is more competitive than ever, the Bulldogs’ record-breaking season is commendable. Fan engagement on social media highlighted their pride in the team’s achievements, with many taking to platforms to celebrate the players’ hard work and determination.
As college basketball continues to evolve, teams like Bryant are proving that with talent and perseverance, they can make significant impacts on the national stage.
For more on NCAA highlights and statistics, you can visit the official NCAA website here.
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