3 reasons Michigan State basketball can go on surprise NCAA Tournament run

3. A fresh start in a favorable region

Let's just call it like it is: Michigan State got a favorable draw in the West Region.

Call me crazy, but I'd rather face North Carolina than Purdue, Houston, or UConn in the second round if Michigan State were to win against Mississippi State. There's a chance Michigan State could beat the other three, but the best chance has to come against the Tar Heels. Plus, the Spartans hold the coaching advantage.

On top of it being a favorable draw with a potential Sweet 16 matchup against a defense-less Alabama team if they were to get that far, the Spartans are also getting a fresh start.

The postseason is a time to throw regular-season records and results out the window and start fresh. This team was ranked No. 4 to start the season and there was a reason for that. They started playing like that team in the Big Ten Tournament and probably should've beaten Purdue but a late three by Fletcher Loyer spoiled that upset bid. But this team was supposed to challenge Purdue for a Big Ten title.

It clearly fell way short of expectations.

But now is the time to throw all of that out and start over. It's time to start playing like the team that everyone expected to contend for a national title at the start of the year.

A fresh start in a very winnable region is enough reason for me to buy into a potential surprise NCAA Tournament run for this Michigan State basketball team.