In a thrilling matchup, Louisville's game plan was clear: target Kohler, limit post penetration, and dominate the boards. It worked for most of the game, but in the crucial moments, the strategy faltered, and with it, Louisville's hopes of advancing.
The pivotal moment arrived with 7:42 left in the second half. MSU, leading 58-50, hadn't yet shaken off the tenacious Cardinals.
Jeremy Fears Jr. took control, setting up the Spartan offense and feeding Kohler in the post. Kohler backed down against Evangelos Zougris, who delivered a hard foul, sending Kohler to the floor.
Although Kohler missed the shot, he was awarded two free throws. After review, Zougris' foul was upgraded to a flagrant, giving MSU both free throws and possession.
Kohler calmly sank both shots, pushing the lead to 60-50. With possession back, Coen Carr found Kohler open at the top of the key, and Kohler drained a three-pointer, extending MSU’s lead to 13. This five-point swing was the turning point, effectively sealing the game for MSU and securing their spot in the Sweet 16.
"It was big for a season to deliver at the moment," MSU head coach Tom Izzo remarked. "He and Carson Cooper struggled a little early, but both came back strong."
The game was characterized by fast-paced action from the start, with MSU exploiting Louisville's moderate defense. Early in the first half, MSU's speed led to an 8-0 run, extending the lead to 22-14.
This tempo created opportunities for the Spartans to sprint the floor, and Jeremy Fears Jr. was instrumental in finding teammates for easy baskets and open looks from beyond the arc. MSU's shooting from deep was impressive, finishing 11-for-26 (42%), with senior guard Trey Fort hitting three 3-pointers and scoring 12 points.
However, MSU's speed sometimes worked against them, leading to nine first-half turnovers. By the end of the game, they had 15 turnovers, giving Louisville chances to stay competitive.
The Cardinals capitalized, scoring 20 points off turnovers. Fears led the team in both assists, with a record-setting 16 in an NCAA Tournament game, and turnovers, committing five.
“We turned the ball over too much, and that’s on all of us, including me,” Izzo said. “But Jeremy Fears deserves a lot of credit. He's improving every week.”
Louisville's defense shone in the post, effectively challenging Kohler and Cooper. They double-teamed and crashed the boards, outscoring MSU 26-24 in the paint and grabbing 11 offensive rebounds for 10 second-chance points.
Kohler struggled initially but found confidence after hitting crucial free throws and a three-pointer, finishing with 10 points and six rebounds. Cooper added nine points and five rebounds.
With the paint battle tough, MSU's guards stepped up, delivering on both ends. Louisville, known for their three-point prowess, struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 13-for-37 (35%). It wasn't their worst performance, but in a game of this magnitude, it was a significant factor.
The game saw a trade-off: MSU lost the post battle, while Louisville faltered from deep. The balance shifted with Kohler's decisive contributions.
“Our guys battled all year and bound together all year,” Izzo said. “And we get to go to Washington, D.C., again to play in the Sweet 16 where this program belongs.”
The Spartans now set their sights on Washington, D.C., ready to face the winner of the Connecticut vs. UCLA matchup. The Sweet 16 awaits, and the excitement is palpable.