Postgame: MSU vs. Valparaiso

Michigan State proved to be too much for Valparaiso to handle in the round of 64 of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, as the Spartans defeated the Crusaders 65-54.

The game was the first of the round of 64, being played in the early afternoon at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan, practically home court for MSU.

The final score doesn't really tell the true story of the game, as MSU lead the 15-seeded Crusaders by as many as 27 early in the second half, and maintained a lead of about 20 until the game's final minutes.

Valparaiso's season ends as they are eliminated from play, while MSU goes on to the round of 32 to play six-seeded Memphis on Saturday at The Palace.

Memphis defeated 11-seeded St. Mary's 54-52 yesterday in the round of 64.

Preview: MSU vs. Valparaiso

This afternoon at 12:15, Michigan State will face Valparaiso in the round of 64 of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

Head coach Tom Izzo's three-seeded Spartans look to knock out head coach Bryce Drew's 14-seeded Crusaders, after the Spartans lost their last tourney game to Louisville last year in the Sweet Sixteen.

This will be Valparaiso's first trip to the NCAA tourney since making it as a 15-seed in 2003, when they were blown out in the round of 64 by Gonzaga.

ESPN.com deemed Michigan State the clear favorite to win the lopsided matchup in Auburn Hills, Michigan.