The Michigan State Spartans have methodically paced themselves to a 25-8 season. Led by legendary head coach Tom Izzo, MSU has run through the out-of-conference competition and performed at a high level against a stacked Big Ten.
So what do you need to know about this powerhouse?
1. The Michigan State Spartans own victories over current No. 6 Michigan, No. 7 Kansas, No. 10 Ohio State and two over No. 22 Wisconsin. They did so without a single first team All-Big Ten selection.
2. Three of the five players on the second team All-Big Ten are from michigan State. That includes point guard Keith Appling, shooting guard Gary Harris and power forward Adreian Payne. Harris was also selected by the coaches and media as the Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
3. Michigan State has made it to the Final Four in four of the five seasons that they were a 3-seed or better under Tom Izzo. The lone season they missed the Final Four was 2012, when they were knocked out in the Sweet Sixteen.
4. Michigan State has now made 18 consecutive appearances in the NCAA Tournament. The last time the Spartans missed out was the 1992-93 season.
5. After starting at 22-4, the Spartans are 3-4 during their past seven games. All four of those losses have come against teams in the Top 10 of the AP Polls.
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