DENVER – Raymar Morgan scored 15 points, Chris Allen added 12, and fifth-seeded Michigan State… DENVER – Raymar Morgan scored 15 points, Chris Allen added 12, and fifth-seeded Michigan State topped Temple, 72-61, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament and will play Pitt tomorrow in the second round.

Michigan State (26-8) went on a 15-2 run midway through the first half, gaining a 13-point advantage. The Spartans coasted the rest of the way, relying on Morgan’s inside-out offensive game. The 6-foot-7 sophomore made seven of his nine field-goal attempts, but that wasn’t the only area he impacted. Morgan had four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

The Spartans advanced to the second round of the Tournament for the second consecutive season.

“They played a great game, a great defensive game, great all-around game and [Michigan State coach] Tom Izzo did a great job,” Temple guard Chris Clark said.

The Atlantic 10 champion Temple (21-13) had trouble scoring all game. The Owls shot 37 percent from the field, and their leading scorer, 6-6 wing Dionte Christmas was 1 for 12. Christmas finished with three points.

“Our defense did a great job on Christmas,” Michigan State center Drew Naymick said.