Saint Louis beaten by Michigan State 65-61

Appling added 19 points for the Spartans, who had to scrap their way past the ninth-seeded Billikens, who controlled the tempo but never got a complete handle on Green. Michigan State's superb, do-everything senior even grabbed a mop and helped wipe up some sweat off the floor in the final minute.

Sweeping past the Billikens was much tougher.

Kwamain Mitchell scored 13 and Jordair Jett had 10 for Saint Louis, which was within 55-51 when Appling hit his shot.

"We made them earn every shot that they took," said Conklin, who worked hard on his game last summer. "The game plan worked to perfection. The guy that we wanted to make shots, he hit a couple. And that's the difference in the game, four points, but that was the whole game plan. I said it was going to be a war — dirty basketball."

The Billikens came up short, but Majerus was proud of how his team, although less talented, made the Spartans squirm.

After missing out for 12 years, Saint Louis was again a player in the NCAA tournament. The Billikens beat Memphis in their opener to earn a shot at Michigan State.

"It's an honor and privilege," Majerus said "We have a good chance of being back."