Could This Big Ten Team Be the True Dark Horse in the NCAA Tournament?
The Michigan State Spartans wrapped up the outright Big Ten regular-season championship Thursday night with a 91-84 victory over the Iowa Hawkeyes. Tom Izzo has showcased once again why he’s one of the best college coaches of all time. With no impactful transfer players and not highly recruited freshmen, the grit and grind mentality that has been implemented with this team makes them a dangerous team come tournament time. I will break down the Spartans' improbable season and why they can make a serious run to the National Championship.
Last year the Spartans' season ended in the Round of 32, losing to the North Carolina Tar Heels. Coming into this season, the Spartans were unranked in the preseason AP poll. After going two and one in the Maui Invitational, their season looked like it could be better than expected. They came out winning their first seven games to start Big Ten play and went on to have a 16-3 record so far with their final game coming at home Saturday against Michigan. As the NCAA Tournament draws near, the Michigan State Spartans are a projected number two seed with potential to get a number one seed if they do well in the Big Ten Tournament.
There are many ways analysts like to look at who the favorites are come March. In the modern world of sports betting, people always like to look at a team that’s under the radar, that could make a run. Every year people try and look for a team that has the tools to get hot. The reason Michigan State fits the bill perfectly is because of their relentless defense and energy. They don’t have a go-to scorer with nine different players leading the team in scoring in a game this season. However, with solid play this year from Jaden Akins and the emergence of freshmen Jase Richardson, they have enough scoring to compete with the best. This team has just a different motor when it comes to the second half of games. They don’t let up, they mentally and physically wear their opponents down to the point where the opposing team will start making mistakes and turnovers. They almost always capitalize on those mistakes as they are second nationally in fast break points at 16.9 per game. Even though they are a relatively inexperienced team, they have heart and are fully committed to their head coach who will have them prepared and motivated every single game.
Momentum is a huge asset to have in the NCAA Tournament. Coming off a Big Ten Title, the Spartans' confidence will be high no matter where they are seated. Tom Izzo’s team is one of just eight in the country with a top-25 adjusted offensive and defensive efficiency ranking. A decorated team with a coach who has won the Big Dance before is a reason to believe in this team.
