OMAHA — It was fun while it lasted for Norfolk State.
Florida gave the 15th-seeded Spartans no hope of pulling another bracket-shaking upset in the tournament, taking control of Sunday’s game early and coasting to an 84-50 victory.
Kenny Boynton scored 20 points and the Gators, boosted by a 25-0 run, reached the regional semifinals for the second straight year.
Norfolk State (26-10), coming off its 86-84 upset of No. 2 seed Missouri on Friday, was trying to become the first 15 seed to reach the round of 16.
Florida (25-10) put a quick end to that idea, making five 3-pointers during its big burst that made it 29-6 midway through the first half.
“They have a coach who has won two national championships. Clearly it was my first time and our team’s first time,” Norfolk State coach Anthony Evans said. “If we get back to this point we will know how to handle it and how to get to the next step.”
Michigan State 65, Saint Louis 61 •COLUMBUS, Ohio — Dray- mond Green had 16 points and 13 rebounds and set up Keith Appling’s late 3-pointer that helped the Spartans (29-7) advance.
Saint Louis, executing coach Rick Majerus’ game plan to “muck it up” to perfection, was still within 55-51 when Green drove the left side and rifled a two-handed overhead pass to Appling in front of Michigan State’s bench. The Spartans guard took aim, fired and had his 3-pointer drop, but only after it hit both sides of the rim and backboard before falling. The Associated Press
