LOUISVILLE, KY (AP) -- Aisha Jefferson scored 17 points to lead fifth-seeded Michigan State past 12th-seeded Bowling Green 72-62 in the opening round of the women's NCAA tournament on Saturday.

Jasmine Thomas and Brittney Thomas added 11 points each for the Spartans (23-9), who will face either fourth-seeded Kentucky or 13th-seeded Liberty in the second round on Monday night.

Two-time Mid-American Conference Player of the Year Lauren Prochaska led the Falcons (27-7) with 19 points but cooled off after a hot start. She made her first three shots but finished just 5 of 13 from the floor as Bowling Green struggled to contend with Michigan State's size advantage.

The Spartans outscored the Falcons 28-4 in the paint and forced 16 turnovers to pull away over the final 10 minutes.

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