After Syracuse’s victory over Wisconsin earlier Thursday night, the Big East sent its second team to the Elite Eight as No. 4 Louisville toppled No. 1 Michigan State, 57-44.
The first half mostly stayed close, but Louisville opened a five-point lead when Jared Swopshire hit a three-pointer with three seconds left before halftime. Michigan State never held a lead after that, and Louisville opened an 11-point lead with nine minutes left to play.
Chane Benahan led the Cardinals with 15 points and nine rebounds. Gorgui Dieng had nine rebounds and seven blocks. Draymond Green had 13 points and 16 rebounds for Michigan State.
Two more Big East teams have games Thursday night, as Cincinnati faces Ohio State and Marquette takes on Florida. It remains possible that the Elite Eight will feature two matchups of Big East teams — Louisville would face Marquette if Marquette wins, and Cincinnati would take on Syracuse.
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