Powers leads Spartans to opening round NCAA win

(AP) Michigan State coach Suzy Merchant was a little concerned about how her team would perform after a two-week layoff. Freshman Aerial Powers and senior Annalise Pickrel put her worries at ease right away.

Powers had 26 points and 18 rebounds, Pickrel had 21 points on 7 of 7 shooting and the fifth-seeded Spartans jumped out to a 32-point halftime lead and cruised to an easy 91-61 victory over No. 12 Hampton on Sunday to advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament.

MICHIGAN STATE 91, HAMPTON 61 | RECAP | BOX