Big Ten Tournament 2012: Why Michigan State Will Win the Conference Title

Michigan State will win their first Big Ten tournament since 2000 this year when they make their way through a competitive field of quality teams thanks to their experience and great coaching.

Every year, many fans forget about the Spartans and don't expect them to make a deep NCAA tournament run. Fans know they're talented, but they don't expect the Spartans to reach the Final Four.

However, Michigan State has gone to the Final Four in two of the last three seasons, and this year they are ready for another deep run in March Madness.

That run will be preceded by a fantastic run to a Big Ten conference title this week.

In the deepest conference in America, the Spartans had a 13-5 record while beating several talented teams. Michigan State defeated quality teams such as Wisconsin, Michigan, Gonzaga, Indiana and Ohio State. They even challenged themselves out of the conference with two season-opening games against Duke and North Carolina.

Not only are the Spartans talented, but they also have one of the best coaches in the country. Head coach Tom Izzo is a fantastic motivator and teacher, and you can bet his players will be well prepared to face their opponent every time they step onto the court.

One thing Izzo does better than most coaches is make his players believe that once the conference tournament begins, nothing from the regular season matters. It's a new season and everyone has a clean slate.

It's an attitude that Spartans guard Draymond Green has with the Big Ten tournament underway.

"Coach reminded us before the game," Green said via ESPN. "I forgot that we had two losses in a row. It's a brand new season. I just completely forgot about it, knowing that we were 0-0. We're 1-0 now and one step closer."

With a team that plays strong fundamentally and is well experienced, Izzo will lead the Spartans to their third Big Ten conference championship in school history before they enter March Madness.

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