Michigan State Basketball: 5 reasons Spartans will make 2019 Final Four

The Final Four has been elusive for Michigan State basketball over the past three seasons, but here’s why the Spartans can end that drought.

It’s been four years. The last time Michigan State made the Final Four was also the last time the Spartans were able to escape the first weekend without a loss.

Tom Izzo knows all about the drought and he’s ready to take this team with plenty of heart to a Sweet 16 and even a Final Four for the first time since 2014-15.

Michigan State is the No. 2 seed in Duke’s region, so you can already imagine how tough the road is about to be, but the Spartans need to get past Bradley and either Louisville or Minnesota before they can even think about a Sweet 16 berth.

Can Michigan State make a Final Four? Yes, and here’s why.

5. Improved defense

Michigan State was one of the best offensive teams in the Big Ten this season, averaging nearly 80 points per game, but it’s the defense that doesn’t get enough credit.

The Spartans are known for getting off to slow starts and even if they find themselves behind, they rely on the defense to get them out of holes in the second half on numerous occasions. When Michigan State does go on big runs — they’re almost inevitable — it’s usually fueled by the defense.

Matt McQuaid is the leader of the defensive attack while Cassius Winston has been much better on opposing point guards — even those more athletic than himself. Kenny Goins has been above average and Xavier Tillman has been an absolute monster on this end of the floor.

Defense wins championships and makes runs to the Final Four and the Spartans have just that.