Cover Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images

MARCH MADNESS is here! 

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South Region 2-seed Michigan State’s opening round game of the NCAA Tournament started with an alarming 5-0 run by 15-seed Bryant. The America East Conference regular season and tournament champions came out ready to play and ready to meet the Spartans’ aggressiveness. For much of the game, the Bulldogs kept it competitive, down only five at halftime. Michigan State is relentless and methodical, however, and, by the time it was over, the Spartans beat down Bryant, winning by 25 points, 87-62. 

New Mexico is next. The 10-seeded Lobos defeated 7-seed Marquette, 75-66. New Mexico, like Michigan State, won its regular season conference title, the Mountain West. An argument can be made that they should be the 7-seed and that their opening round game was not an upset. 

The Lobos score 81.2 points per game and give up 70.8. They commit 11.4 turnovers and force 15.3. New Mexico, on average, out-rebounds its opponents 39.3 to 35.3. 

Michigan State scores 78.4 points per game and gives up 67.1. They commit 11.5 turnovers and force 11.3. The Spartans, on average, out-rebound their opponents 40.2 to 30.7. 

There is a disparity in the level of competition the two teams have played. Michigan State has beaten five ranked opponents this season. New Mexico hasn’t played any. 

Look for Michigan State to keep to its winning recipe. Run. Play tough defense. Use great depth to its advantage. Wear down the opposition. Score from anywhere, any time and by anyone. Great coaching.

I’ve picked Michigan State to make the Final Four in the bracket I do each year to support the fight against MS. The Spartans’ run should continue against New Mexico, but don’t be surprised if the game is close. DraftKings favors Michigan State by 6.5 points, with total points scored of 147.5. 

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