Michigan State is always a massive threat in the NCAA tournament, but they aren't a lock as an at-large bid just yet. They've been able to scrounge up enough victories despite having a very rough start, and now they're looking to at least notch another victory over Minnesota in the Big Ten quarterfinal. The Golden Gophers have been one of the biggest surprises in the conference this year, going undefeated in the month of February, and marching on an eight-game winning streak before falling to Wisconsin in the season finale. Tipoff is set for approximately 2:30 PM Eastern time on Friday afternoon and the game can be seen on ESPN and online with WatchESPN and the ESPN app.
No. 5 Michigan State (19-13, 10-8 Big Ten)
The Spartans made quick work of Penn State in the second round of the tournament, trouncing them 78-51. While Michigan State came in losing their last four road games, they've moved their neutral site record to 3-4 after the Nittany Lions victory. A solid RPI and their rich history shoulf allow Michigan State to earn a spot on Selection Sunday.
Miles Bridges (16.5 ppg, 8.3 rpg) and Nick Ward (13.7 ppg, 6.4 rpg) led the team with 15 points and 9 rebounds each in the previous win.
No. 4 Minnesota (23-8, 11-7 Big Ten)
It's been a stunningly great second half for the Golden Gophers. They've shot up to a 6-seed in the latest ESPN projections. Their offense has been electrifying with 81 or more points in a four-game stretch before hitting a buzzsaw against Wisconsin, where they were held to just 49 points in the loss.
Minnesota hopes to get that bad taste out of their mouth. Even with the lack of scoring, Nate Mason (15.5 ppg, 5.1 apg) was still reliable with 17 points. He's recorded 17 or more points in the last four games.
All games in the Big Ten Tournament are being played at the Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Michigan State has won five of their last six games against Minnesota. This game has opened up as a pickem in Vegas and the O/U is set at 140 points. The Golden Gophers have a better record against the spread at 18-11 this season.
