Michigan State Spartans
Big Ten (27-7, 13-5)
Tom Izzo reached his 400th win this season, which is no surprise to anyone. Michigan State is consistently positioned at the top of the Big Ten. After beginning the season 0-2, the Spartans won 15 straight games before losing again. Izzo’s teams are typically disciplined and play strong toward the end of the season. This year’s version is no different. The Spartans rank in the top 35 nationally in rebounds, assists and field goal percentage per game. Led by senior Draymond Green, Michigan State is looking to return to the Final Four, a place they have been comfortable over the last 15 years.
Big Wins: 11/30 Florida State (65-49), 12/10 at Gonzaga (74-67), 2/11 at Ohio State (58-48)
Bad Losses: 1/14 at Northwestern (74-81), 1/31 at Illinois (41-42), 2/28 at Indiana (55-70)
Coach: Tom Izzo (17 seasons at Michigan State)
Why They Can Surprise:
This is a strong squad with a deep roster, although losing Branden Dawson with a torn ACL during the last regular season game of the year does hurt. This year Michigan State has as good of a chance as anyone of making it to the national title game. Though they boast seven freshmen on their roster, the Spartans also have five seniors to help guide their young talent. Draymond Green is the linchpin for this team. He averages a double-double per game and also contributes with 3.6 assists per game. Sophomore guard Keith Appling, who leads the team in assists, has lived up to his billing as a top recruit in the 2010 class. This is a solid shooting team that shoots 47.2 percent from the floor per game. They are a strong rebounding group as well. They average just fewer than 40 per game, which allows for more possessions. A team that can score like Michigan State will take advantage of those opportunities.
Why They Can Disappoint:
This team may get in trouble in the tournament if the veteran leaders get into some foul trouble. A lot of that roster depth contains freshmen, and they may not be ready for the big stage if it comes down to it. The Spartans tend to foul a lot (17.7 per game), and if it begins to affect their stars than it will become an issue towards the end of games. While their rebounding is a plus, they do tend to turn the ball over quite a bit. They average 13.3 per game. If their rebounding prowess is neutralized by their turnovers, then it could spell a long day for Michigan State.
Probable Starters:
Keith Appling, Sophomore, Guard, 11.3 ppg, 3.9 apg
Brandon Wood, Senior, Guard, 8.6 ppg, 1.0 apg
Austin Thornton, Senior, Guard, 5.3 ppg, 1.1 apg
Draymond Green, Senior, Forward, 16.1 ppg, 10.4 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.0 bpg
Adreian Payne, Sophomore, Center, 6.9 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.1 bpg
Key Roleplayers:
Brandan Kearney, Freshman, Guard, 1.2 ppg
Derrick Nix, Junior, Center, 7.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg
Travis Trice, Freshman, Guard, 4.9 ppg, 2.0 apg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 71.9 (84th in nation, 5th in conference)
Scoring Defense: 58.7 (13, 3)
Field-Goal Percentage: 47.2 (33, 3)
Field-Goal Defense: 37.6 (2, 1)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 5.3 (248, 10)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 35.3 (124, 8)
Free-Throw Percentage: 69.9 (141, 7)
Rebound Margin: 8.8 (3, 1)
Assists Per Game: 15.4 (28, 2)
Turnovers Per Game: 13.3 (150, 9)
Last Five Postseason Appearances:
Michigan State 2011 NCAA Round of 64 loss to UCLA
Michigan State 2010 NCAA Round of 64 win over New Mexico State
Michigan State 2010 NCAA Round of 32 win over Maryland
Michigan State 2010 NCAA Regional Semifinal win over Northern Iowa
Michigan State 2010 NCAA Regional Final win over Tennessee
Michigan State 2010 NCAA National Semifinal loss to Butler
Michigan State 2009 NCAA Round of 64 win over Robert Morris
Michigan State 2009 NCAA Round of 32 win over USC
Michigan State 2009 NCAA Regional Semifinal win over Kansas
Michigan State 2009 NCAA Regional Final win over Louisville
Michigan State 2009 NCAA National Semifinal win over Connecticut
Michigan State 2009 NCAA National Final loss to North Carolina
Michigan State 2008 NCAA Round of 64 win over Temple
Michigan State 2008 NCAA Round of 32 win over Pittsburgh
Michigan State 2008 NCAA Regional Semifinal loss to Memphis
Michigan State 2007 NCAA Round of 64 win over Marquette
Michigan State 2007 NCAA Round of 32 loss to North Carolina
*all team stats through 3/4
