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Grand Rapids native Xavier Tillman ready for Final Four

Posted at 11:02 PM, Apr 01, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-01 23:02:36-04

WASHINGTON D.C. -- "It's unreal," Grand Rapids Christian alum and Michigan State sophomore forward, Xavier Tillman said when asked how it feels to go to a Final Four. Tillman matched a career-high with 19 points and snatched nine rebounds, all against national phenom, Zion Williams.

"I felt good," Tillman said, "it wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be, I thought it was going to be like everybody says like a train running into you, it wasn't as bad as I thought but he was tough."

The Spartans had to battle back throughout the game, which was back-and-forth and saw 16 lead changes, the last coming on a three pointer from Kenny Goins with about thirty seconds left.

"That is what we've been doing this whole stretch, we've just been showing toughness even against Bradley when they had us close we showed toughness to fight through that," Tillman added.

Tillman knows how tough the Final Four will be with the first test coming against Texas Tech on Saturday evening in Minneapolis.

"It's only going to get harder from here, the scouting report is only going to get harder from here but we are ready for the challenge."

And to see Kenny Goins hit the three to help propel Michigan State to victory was unlike anything else.

"That is what seniors do, that's what seniors do they are going to will us to the victory and that is what he did."

Tillman is excited to get to Minneapolis and experience it for the first time.

"Never been, but I'm hoping to enjoy it!"

The Spartans and Red Raiders tip at 8:49 PM ET Saturday evening from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.