Michigan State Basketball: 5 reasons Spartans will beat Texas Tech

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 29: Head coach Tom Izzo and Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans react against the LSU Tigers during the first half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 29, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

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DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 21: Aaron Henry #11, Matt McQuaid #20, Cassius Winston #5, Xavier Tillman #23, and Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans stand on the court during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament against the Bradley Braves at Wells Fargo Arena on March 21, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

3. A week to prepare for Texas Tech’s vaunted defense

Facing Texas Tech on just a day of preparation would be a nightmare. The Red Raiders’ defense is so complex that going from a Sweet 16 win to facing them two days later in the Elite Eight would be a death sentence — just ask Gonzaga and Buffalo.

Fortunately, Michigan State will have had almost an entire week to prepare for the Red Raiders, meaning that the Spartans are used to scouting and watching film on the opponent. The scout team has done its best to run the defense that Texas Tech does and Tom Izzo has a plan in place to beat it.

Beating the Red Raiders’ defense is possible. Teams have done it this season, but it’s rare. Not many teams have had five-plus days to prepare for the defense, so that instantly gives the Spartans a leg up.

Michigan State will be more than prepared to face Texas Tech’s defense on Saturday night and the Spartans will be ready for whatever the Red Raiders throw their way.

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