After a disappointing end to their Big Ten Tournament run, Michigan State basketball got to rest up on Sunday and prepare for what would be a stress-free Selection Sunday for the first time in years.
Last season, there was some doubt that Michigan State would make the NCAA Tournament but they did, earning the 9-seed and beating Mississippi State in the first round to advance to the Round of 32 against North Carolina. After the loss, Tom Izzo took to the media and said that he was going to get back to deep March runs "or die trying".
Fast forward to this Selection Sunday and Michigan State had to wait less than 10 minutes to hear its name called as it earned the 2-seed in the South Region against No. 15 seed Bryant.
Michigan State has received a two seed and will take on Bryant in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. pic.twitter.com/VmHV8kUYXO
— Spartans Illustrated (@SpartansRivals) March 16, 2025
The Spartans will play on Friday against No. 15 Bryant in the South Region in Cleveland, Ohio. This is one of the more interesting 2 vs. 15 games as the Bulldogs are led by Phil Martelli Jr. who is the son of former Michigan assistant coach Phil Martelli.
Michigan State will be more than prepared as the last time the Spartans were a 2-seed, they were able to cruise in the second half to a win over Bradley. It wasn't comfortable, but it sparked a Final Four run in which the Spartans beat a Zion Williamson-led Duke team.
This will be an interesting matchup for the Spartans against a really good rebounding team that also scores at one of the highest rates in the country.
Michigan State will be tested, but I like the path that they get with Marquette or New Mexico awaiting in the second round.