CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Freshman Aerial Powers had 26 points and 18 rebounds, Annalise Pickrel added 21 points and fifth-seeded Michigan State defeated No. 12 Hampton 91-61 on Sunday to advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
Branndais Agee had 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Spartans, who shot 58 percent from the field in the first half to open a 32-point lead at the break en route to an easy win.
Michigan State (23-9) came into the tournament looking to avenge a 28-point loss to Nebraska in the Big Ten Conference semifinals and played inspired basketball almost from the opening tip.
The Spartans outscored the Pirates 46-30 in the paint.
Hampton (28-5), the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference champions, came in riding an 18-game winning streak and looking for its first NCAA tournament win but was limited to 35 percent shooting from the field.
Nicole Hamilton led the Pirates with 19 points.
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