The NCAA tournament is the most popular collegiate sports event in the country. Every year, the best college basketball teams compete for the national championship. While many teams have a chance to make the tournament, only a select few have the opportunity to be seeded. Michigan State is one of those teams, and this year they are seeded number two in the Midwest Region.
Michigan State’s Road to Seeding
Michigan State has had a long and successful basketball program. This year, the Spartans have had a strong regular season, going 24-9 overall and 15-9 in the Big Ten. They finished third in the conference, behind Purdue and regular season champion Michigan. Michigan State had a strong showing in the conference tournament, reaching the championship game before losing to Purdue.
Despite the loss, Michigan State was still able to secure a number two seed in the NCAA tournament. This is the highest seed the Spartans have had since they were a number one seed in 2015.
How Seeding Affects Michigan State
Being a number two seed is a huge advantage for Michigan State. It means that they will have an easier path to the Sweet 16, and as a result, a better chance to make a deep run in the tournament. The Spartans will face the winner of the play-in game between Bradley and Northeastern in the first round. Assuming they win that game, they will likely face the winner of the seven-ten game between Louisville and Minnesota in the second round.
The Midwest Region is considered one of the toughest regions in the tournament, but the Spartans have a good chance of making it out. If they can make it to the Sweet 16, they will likely face either top-seeded North Carolina or ninth-seeded Oklahoma.
Michigan State’s Chances of Winning it All
While the Spartans have a great chance of making a deep run in the tournament, their chances of winning it all are slim. Michigan State is a well-coached team, and they have some great players, but their lack of depth and size is a major concern.
The Spartans have only six players who average more than ten minutes per game, and their tallest player is 6’8” center Xavier Tillman. While Tillman is a great player, he is also undersized for a center, and the Spartans could struggle against teams with a more traditional big man.
Conclusion
Michigan State is seeded number two in the Midwest Region of the NCAA tournament. This is a great accomplishment, and it gives the Spartans a chance to make a deep run in the tournament. While they have a chance at winning it all, their lack of size and depth could be a major impediment. No matter how far they go, it’s sure to be an exciting tournament for the Spartans.