How far will Michigan State go in March Madness? Predictions for Spartans in NCAA tournament
And now Michigan State basketball gets ready for the second season: the NCAA tournament.
The Spartans won the Big Ten conference regular-season title, somewhat handily. They lost in the semifinals of the Big Ten tournament to Wisconsin, somewhat surprisingly.
Now they enter the NCAA tournament as a No. 2 seed and face No. 15 seed Bryant University. However, the anticipated matchup would be if they followed chalk and advanced to the South region final against No. 1 Auburn, the major hurdle to a Final Four bid.
Can they do it? We asked our resident experts how far will Michigan State go in March Madness?
Carlos Monarrez, columnist
The hallmark of the Spartans’ excellent season has been consistency, toughness and excellent defense. That’s plenty to get past Bryant, no matter how much help coach Phil Martelli Jr. gets from his dad, a former Michigan assistant.
It’s also enough to win two more games, probably against Marquette and then Iowa State in the Sweet 16. But Auburn, with Johni Broome, will end the Spartans’ dancing in the Elite Eight.
Jeff Seidel, columnist
What time of year is it? Checks calendar. January, February ... ah yes, it’s the month of Izzo. Not winning the Big Ten tournament will be pure jet fuel for this program that knows how to take off in March.
Nobody getting fat and sassy here. As if Izzo needed any more buttons to push, he’s got one now. And the Spartans will be headed to the Final Four after taking down Auburn.
Chris Solari, Michigan State beat writer
Despite being opposite overall No. 1 seed Auburn (as well as 5-seed Michigan), the Spartans have a favorable draw in the bottom half of the South region bracket to get at least to the Elite Eight. It helps that No. 3 seed Iowa State will be without guard Keshon Gilbert (groin) for the rest of the season, and Tom Izzo has familiarity with coaches for both potential second-round opponents Marquette (Shaka Smart) and New Mexico (former Minnesota coach Richard Pitino).
The Spartans have the depth to get to Izzo’s ninth Final Four and maybe more, and facing Auburn would be MSU’s biggest challenge of the season by far, should they get to that point.
Shawn Windsor, columnist
For the first time in six years, the Spartans got a high seed and shouldn't have much of a struggle in their opening game against No. 15 seed Bryant. Marquette or New Mexico awaits in the second round and Iowa State potentially in the third round.
MSU's depth and versatility will lead it to the regional final, where Auburn should be. An Elite Eight appearance is the end of a fine and unexpected season.
Consensus pick (four out of four)
The Spartans' run ends in the regional final to Auburn.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: How far will Michigan State basketball advance in the NCAA tournament?
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