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3 teams Michigan State basketball won’t want to see in 2023 NCAA Tournament’s first round

By Connor Muldowney

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 10: Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans dribbles the ball against Sean McNeil #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half of a Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Quarterfinals game at United Center on March 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 10: Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans dribbles the ball against Sean McNeil #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the first half of a Big Ten Men's Basketball Tournament Quarterfinals game at United Center on March 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /
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Nov 14, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oral Roberts Golden Eagles guard Max Abmas (3) sets the play during the first half against the Houston Cougars at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Oral Roberts Golden Eagles guard Max Abmas (3) sets the play during the first half against the Houston Cougars at Fertitta Center. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Oral Roberts Golden Eagles (projected 11/12 seed)

OK, this is the one. This is the one I really, really don’t want for the Spartans in round one. I don’t think it’ll happen, however, because Oral Roberts is likely to get an 11 or 12-seed, but if the Golden Eagles somehow slid up to that 10-line, Michigan State would be in danger here.

Some poor 5/6-seed is going to see Oral Roberts in round one and they’ll likely fall victim to a massive upset and we may see this team making it all the way to the Sweet 16 — or further.

Oral Roberts finished the season 30-4 with 17 straight wins and a Summit League title so they’re an automatic qualifier for the tournament. I think they’d have to be in even if they didn’t win their conference tournament, but the Golden Eagles are in for sure and they’re going to be a problem.

This Oral Roberts team is better than the one that made a Sweet 16 run a couple of years ago.

Max Abmas is one of the best players in the country, averaging 22.2 points and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 44 percent from the floor and 38 percent from deep. He’s the elite guard that can will a team to an upset or two — or more. Connor Vanover is Zach Edey-lite at 7-foot-5 and he’s nearly impossible to guard as he can post up or spot up from deep.

This team averages 84 points per game and will be a massive problem this March. Please stay away from Michigan State.

Next. 5 bold predictions for MSU basketball in March. dark

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