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Good news for Michigan State basketball: the seed math continues to work in its favor, as the 2-seed Spartans face 10-seed New Mexico on Sunday night at Rocket Arena in Cleveland.
It’s the 56th 2/10 matchup in the second round since the NCAA tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, and the 2-seeds are 36-19 — a .654 winning percentage. The balance has tilted even more heavily to 2-seeds over the past 10 tournaments, with 10-seeds mustering just two wins — Miami (Florida)’s upset of Auburn in 2022 and Stanford’s upset of Kansas in 2014 — in 13 games against 2-seeds since the start of the 2014 tourney.
SHAWN WINDSOR: If Jaden Akins finds shot for Michigan State basketball? Look out
So will the Spartans live up to recent history when the ball is tipped at 8:40 p.m.? Three Free Press sports writers have some thoughts on that.
A trio of Free Press sports writers have some thoughts on Sunday's second-round game:
Now that the Spartans got their opening-round jitters out of the way against Bryant, they get to have a track meet with the speedy 10-seed Lobos, who upset 7-seed Marquette, 75-66. New Mexico also plays great defense and won the opener mainly because, as Marquette coach Shaka Smart said, “They were the more poised team over the majority of the game.” But MSU is too tough, too good on the glass and has too many weapons to keep them from advancing to the Sweet 16. The pick: MSU 78, New Mexico 66.
The Spartans learn from Friday’s sluggish start and come out strong, working in transition with Fears and Holloman to get the Lobos fatigued before again using their depth to pull away to Izzo’s 16th Sweet 16 appearance. The pick: MSU 79, New Mexico 69.
CHRIS SOLARI: Fast or physical, Michigan State basketball chases Sweet 16 spot vs high-tempo New Mexico
Tom Izzo's familiar with New Mexico's coach, Richard Pitino. Which means New Mexico's coach is familiar with Michigan State. Yet first-hand knowledge isn't the only reason Pitino's team will give the Spartans a game. His big man and point guard — Nelly Junior Joseph and Donovan Dent — can play. Like really play. Now that MSU knows what the NCAA tournament feels like, they should come out a little less amped up. That'll make the difference. The pick: MSU 73, New Mexico 68.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State basketball March Madness predictions vs New Mexico
Continue reading...
It’s the 56th 2/10 matchup in the second round since the NCAA tournament expanded to 64 teams in 1985, and the 2-seeds are 36-19 — a .654 winning percentage. The balance has tilted even more heavily to 2-seeds over the past 10 tournaments, with 10-seeds mustering just two wins — Miami (Florida)’s upset of Auburn in 2022 and Stanford’s upset of Kansas in 2014 — in 13 games against 2-seeds since the start of the 2014 tourney.
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SHAWN WINDSOR: If Jaden Akins finds shot for Michigan State basketball? Look out
So will the Spartans live up to recent history when the ball is tipped at 8:40 p.m.? Three Free Press sports writers have some thoughts on that.
A trio of Free Press sports writers have some thoughts on Sunday's second-round game:
Carlos Monarrez
Now that the Spartans got their opening-round jitters out of the way against Bryant, they get to have a track meet with the speedy 10-seed Lobos, who upset 7-seed Marquette, 75-66. New Mexico also plays great defense and won the opener mainly because, as Marquette coach Shaka Smart said, “They were the more poised team over the majority of the game.” But MSU is too tough, too good on the glass and has too many weapons to keep them from advancing to the Sweet 16. The pick: MSU 78, New Mexico 66.
Chris Solari
The Spartans learn from Friday’s sluggish start and come out strong, working in transition with Fears and Holloman to get the Lobos fatigued before again using their depth to pull away to Izzo’s 16th Sweet 16 appearance. The pick: MSU 79, New Mexico 69.
CHRIS SOLARI: Fast or physical, Michigan State basketball chases Sweet 16 spot vs high-tempo New Mexico
Shawn Windsor
Tom Izzo's familiar with New Mexico's coach, Richard Pitino. Which means New Mexico's coach is familiar with Michigan State. Yet first-hand knowledge isn't the only reason Pitino's team will give the Spartans a game. His big man and point guard — Nelly Junior Joseph and Donovan Dent — can play. Like really play. Now that MSU knows what the NCAA tournament feels like, they should come out a little less amped up. That'll make the difference. The pick: MSU 73, New Mexico 68.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State basketball March Madness predictions vs New Mexico
Continue reading...
