AUBURN HILLS—Derrick Nix had 23 points and a career-high 15 rebounds to help power third-seeded Michigan State past 14th-seeded Valparaiso 65-54 on Thursday.The Spartans went on a 26-5 run in the first half to take control.Michigan State (26-8) will play Saturday, when Spartans coach Tom Izzo will be shooting for a spot in the round of 16 for the fifth time in six years.The Crusaders (26-8) were no match for Michigan State in their first NCAA tournament in nine years, just as they weren’t as a first-round loser in 2000 to the eventual champion Spartans.Valpo had enough size to match up, but didn’t have enough strength.