Dawson Powers Michigan State Past Virginia

Branden Dawson Powers Michigan State Past Virginia

Branden Dawson Powers Michigan State Past Virginia

Fitzgerald Cecilio

New York, NY

Branden Dawson had 24 points and 10 rebounds to help the Michigan State Spartans top the Virginia Cavaliers, 61-59 at Madison Square Garden.

Adreian Payne added 16 points for the win, which puts the Spartans in a tourney regional final.

Behind 31-27 at halftime, Malcolm Brogdon scored eight as Virgina opened up the second half with a 9-1 run to take a 36-32 lead.

Michigan State (29-8) went on a 13-2 run to go up 49-42 with 6:10 to go.

Virginia (30-7) answered with a 7-0 run to tie the game at 51 with 1:51 left.

The Payne hit a 3-pointer followed by a Dawson dunk that gave Michigan State a 56-61 advantage.

Joe Harris hit a 3 with 39 seconds left to bring Virginia within 56-54 but Payne made two free throws to push Michigan State's lead to 58-54.

Brogdon hit a 3 with 1.1 seconds left to bring Virginia within 60-59, but Gary Harris made one of two free throws and Justin Anderson's 3-point attempt for Virginia was off the mark.

With the win, fourth-seeded Michigan State advances to play Connecticut (29-8) Sunday for a Final Four berth.

Joe Harris and Brogdon each had 17 points for Virginia, which became the second No. 1 seed to be eliminated, joining Wichita State.

"Branden Dawson Powers Michigan State Past Virginia"