Predicting how far Michigan State basketball can go in 2018 NCAA Tournament

Michigan State is one of the favorites to win the NCAA tournament, but that doesn’t mean anything if it doesn’t perform. Here’s a look at how the schedule could break down if the Spartans keep winning.

Numerous media outlets have touted Michigan State as possible NCAA champions or at least to make it to the National Championship game. That includes Jay Bilas, who had the headline at ESPN.com earlier in the week, to a number of ‘experts’ at CBS.

Michigan State fans know better. The only way the Spartans have a chance to win is if they play above and beyond how they’ve played almost all season. They only have four losses, but nothing has come easy for them since conference play began. So while some have the Spartans going deep, it’s worthwhile to look into the possible matchups and find out exactly how far this team can go.

Of course, if this team plays to its ability and plays like it did in the second half against Northwestern a month ago, they’ll be crowned champions soon enough. Things are never that easy, though.

First round

Bucknell provides a formidable challenge and at the end of the day, a loss to the Bison wouldn’t be as surprising as the one to Middle Tennessee.

This team has plenty of experience against bigger schools from playing West Virginia in last year’s tournament to North Carolina and Maryland earlier in the season. In fact, the Bison led 50-35 at halftime against the Terps in College Park. While Maryland went on to win 80-78, it’s worth mentioning Justin Jackson was playing at that point. The Spartans barely got past Maryland in their second meeting.

Still, I’ve done enough previewing this Bucknell team and while it has talent and experience, I don’t think it will have enough to win this game. Of course, the Bison could catch fire, but I don’t think Zach Thomas and Nana Foulland will be able to deal with Nick Ward and Jaren Jackson on the other end.

Second round

A lot of people are assuming Michigan State will roll past TCU, but the matchup isn’t ideal for the Spartans. Vladimir Brodziansky is a big that can stretch the floor, which Nick Ward struggles with. That said, this would be a perfect time to employ small ball with Miles Bridges at the four spot against Kenrich Williams. The thing about the Horned Frogs is that they don’t have any elite wins away from home. Michigan State is an elite team.

If the Spartans have to go through Syracuse, it will be an ugly game. It probably won’t be a blowout unless everyone is hitting shots from deep. But expecting MSU to lose to a Syracuse team that’s nowhere near the caliber of previous versions is a long shot.