A month ago, Michigan State was in the middle of losing three times in a four-game stretch. The Spartans went from a projected 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament all the way down to a 4-seed. Before a stretch against UCLA, Ohio State, Purdue, Indiana, Rutgers, and Michigan, it looked like Michigan State could even drop to a 5-seed.
Wins over UCLA, Ohio State, Purdue, Indiana, and Rutgers shot Michigan State all the way back up to the 2-line, and that’s where the Spartans have stood since.
There was, however, a small chance that Michigan State could earn that final 1-seed, especially after UConn lost at the end of the regular season to Marquette in a game that wasn’t even supposed to be close. That knocked UConn off that line, and opened the door for Florida, Houston, and Michigan State, in that order.
Florida was the heavy favorite to earn the last 1-seed, but a loss in its first SEC Tournament game against Kentucky on Friday afternoon would give Michigan State a chance.
Unfortunately, Kentucky couldn’t do Michigan State a favor, failing to hold off a red-hot Florida team, 71-63. It was Kentucky‘s third single-digit loss to Florida this season.
That win by the Gators advanced them to the semifinals on Saturday against either Tennessee or Vanderbilt, and a loss to either one of those teams won’t drop them.
The 1-seed dream is (un)officially dead.
Michigan State still needs to beat UCLA
While a 1-seed is likely out of the question, Michigan State still needs to treat Friday night’s UCLA matchup like a must-win. The Spartans can’t lose to the Bruins and expect to be handed a 2-seed on Sunday evening. A loss to UCLA could very well drop Michigan State to a 3-seed.
A win over UCLA would lock up a 2-seed, in my opinion.
Michigan State has to earn a rematch with Nebraska or Purdue and play that one close if it wants to secure a 2-seed on Selection Sunday.
Best-case scenario is obviously winning the Big Ten title, but no one would be upset with 1-2 wins. Winning a game locks up that 2-seed and gives Michigan State a serious advantage in the NCAA Tournament.