SMITHFIELD, R.I. (WLNE) — Students at Bryant University are gearing up for Friday night’s March Madness game, with watch parties both on and off campus hoping  for a thrilling underdog victory. “Everyone around campus has been following the team all year, so I think we are all mutually sup er excited,” sophomore Nic Palumbo said. Palumbo works with the Athletic Department and is one of the leaders of the sports fan base at the university. “It’s a little bit of a late game but on a Friday night, I think everyone is going to be supportive and watching,” he added. For the Bryant Bulldogs, this is the second time they’re a part of the big dance. “It’s good to have some representation,” freshman Sarina Sanders said. “Especially from a small school playing a Big Ten school. It’s cool to see they are putting us on the map.” The Bulldogs are set to take on Michigan State in Cleveland Friday night at 10 p.m. They’re coming in as the underdog, But that’s not stopping the Bulldogs. “Michigan State doesn’t shoot the three ball well but they defend the three-point line very well,” sophomore Jack Hagerty said. “We trust Phil Martelli is a great coach and we think he should have a good game plan cooked up for the team.” Students on campus plan to have their own watch parties, while there is also one off campus at the GPub in Providence starting at 8 p.m. Categories: News ...read more read less