Big Ten counterpart Michigan State in East region looked really good in first matchup

Michigan State looked really good yesterday in their round of 64 matchup against No. 14 North Dakota State. The Spartans who finished the season 26-7 and 15-5 in Big Ten play won by a final score of 92-67. Never really having a doubt that they were going to run away with the game from the opening tip. Michigan State is a dangerous No. 3 seed even though they’re in a loaded region that includes Duke, UCONN and St. John’s. As well as the No. 7 seed UCLA Bruins.

UCLA and Michigan State have played an interesting pair of games this year. The Spartans beat them in February 82-59 when UCLA was struggling with consistency. But UCLA turned it around at the Big Ten tournament and came away with a huge upset 88-84. Even with Tyler Bilodeau leaving that game early with an injury. UCLA showed they can hang with top teams when they’re playing consistent basketball.

Tom Izzo is a generational coach that has won many games at Michigan State. He has taken the team to eight Final Four appearances. But it’s still looking for his second national championship with his only one coming in 2000. His teams are usually good every year but have not been able to get over the hump and when that second one. They have many players that could help get it done this year. Including Jeremy Fears Jr. who led the nation in assists at 9.2 per game.

The Spartans also have Jaxon Kohler who could go out an average a double double in the NCAA tournament. While Coen Carr brings great experience to this team. If UCLA is able to beat UCF and then upset UCONN, it could make four matchup number three this season against Michigan State. That would be fun to watch with both teams, healthy, and on a neutral court. This region is making for some generational type matchups this March Madness.