Big Ten Tournament 2012 Scores: Michigan St. Spartans Cruising into NCAA Tourney

If anyone was doubting the Michigan State Spartans heading into March Madness, they can erase those doubts after watching the No. 8 team in the nation tear up the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Tournament.

The Spartans entered the Big Ten Tournament on back-to-back losses to the Indiana Hoosiers and Ohio State Buckeyes—two teams that were ranked lower than them. While they lost to the Buckeyes by just two points, their 15-point road loss to the Hoosiers was not a good showing.

Against the Hawkeyes, the Spartans took care of business, winning the game, 92-75. They outscored their opponent, 55-39, in the first half, and while the second half was closer, it was still clearly no competition for coach Tom Izzo and the Spartans.

Forward Draymond Green once again got things done, as he scored 21 points in just 24 minutes. He also added 10 rebounds, as well as five assists and three blocks.

Talk about a complete game.

If Green can put up similar numbers against the Wisconsin Badgers in the semifinals, it will be clear that he can help elevate this team to the next level in the NCAA tournament.

It won't just take strong play from him, though, as the team will need to continue to see positive contributions from players like Keith Appling and Adreian Payne.

This team is looking good, and they have enough firepower and experience to make things continue to happen.

They are already looking like they will have a nice seeding when the results come out on Selection Sunday, but winning the Big Ten tourney will definitely give them a reason to deserve perhaps as high as a No. 2 seed.

The Spartans are turning this around when it matters most, but now it will be important to keep things going.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.

Follow @Real_Jeff_Chase