ATLANTA (AP) — Coen Carr got his first career start for Michigan State in a homecoming at the NCAA Tournament's South Region semifinals on Friday night.

Carr, a native of suburban Stockbridge, took the opening tipoff for the second-seeded Spartans as they faced Mississippi in the Sweet 16.

The 6-foot-6 forward got the nod ahead of regular starting center Szymon Zapala in what appeared to be a move to give Michigan State more athleticism in the frontcourt.

Carr was playing his 71st career game for the Spartans. He came in averaging 8.0 points and 3.7 rebounds in about 20 minutes of playing time.

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Michigan State forward Coen Carr (55) shoots against Mississippi forward Malik Dia (0) during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

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Mississippi forward Malik Dia (0) shoots against Michigan State forward Coen Carr (55) during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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Credit: AP

Michigan State forward Coen Carr (55) and Mississippi guard Dre Davis (14) vie for a loose ball during the first half in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Friday, March 28, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Credit: AP

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Credit: AP