Michigan State Spartans
Record: 23-11, 12-6 Big Ten
Head coach: Tom Izzo (20th season)
Season summary: Battle-tested.
That's the word that most accurately describes Michigan State's season. The Spartans were in trouble halfway through their conference slate but won six of their last eight and then advanced to the Big Ten championship game, nearly pulling off the upset against No. 1 seed Wisconsin. Izzo's squad has played seven overtime games, meaning Michigan State has plenty of experience in tight contests should they arise in the tournament. The Spartans rank fourth in the nation in assists at 17.1 dimes per game, and boast seasoned veterans in Travis Trice, Denzel Valentine and Branden Dawson as well as newcomers in Lourawls "Tum Tum" Nairn Jr. and Bryn Forbes.
How they make a run: With Tom Izzo at the helm, the Spartans are always a threat. Veteran presence and the dangerous inside-out combo of Dawson and Trice means Michigan State will be a tough out.
How they falter: The Spartans can get into lulls offensively, and a poorly-timed cold spell could mean the end of the road—especially if Michigan State faces defensive-minded Virginia in the second round.
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