(4) Louisville Knocks Off (1) Michigan State, 57-44 - East Idaho News
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(4) Louisville Knocks Off (1) Michigan State, 57-44

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Getty S 32312 %20Louisville?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1332502602092Christian Petersen/Getty Images(PHOENIX) — Michigan State became the first number one seed to go down on Thursday night.

Louisville (29-9) overpowered the Spartans with a 57-44 win.  Those 44 points scored by Michigan State (29-8) are the fewest for a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament shot clock era.

Providing the defense for Louisville was forward Gorgui Dieng who blocked seven shots inside.

“We wanted to protect Gorgui (Dieng) with our life, we felt that if we could keep Gorgui in the game we could beat them,” said Louisville head coach Rick Pitino of his forward who played all 40 minutes.  “Everybody had to guard the middle, contain the basketball and keep Gorgui from getting in foul trouble.”

The Cardinals’ defense held Draymond Green to only 13 points in the game.

“Louisville deserved it, they out boarded us, they took it at us pretty good and every time we cut the lead, they brought it up,” said Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo.

Louisville will now take on (7) Florida (26-10) on Saturday afternoon.

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