Big Ten Tournament 2012: Michigan State Peaking At the Perfect Time

There was no doubt who the two best teams in the Big Ten were this season and the rubber match was another thriller, but ultimately Michigan State proved to be the stronger team in their 68-64 win over Ohio State to capture the Big Ten tournament championship.

Michigan State shot a blistering 43 percent from three-point land and only committed six turnovers. This is exactly what the Spartans need to keep doing. Michigan State landed a No. 1 seed for their efforts.

They already rank as the 26th- best rebounding team in the country and we all know a Tom Izzo coached team will hit the glass hard. They are 24th in the nation, connecting on 47 percent of their field goals, a testament to the great looks created by point guard Keith Appling. The sophomore’s emergence is one of the big reasons for the Spartan’s turnaround and he is an X-factor moving forward.

As long as he continues to keep his turnovers low while consistently creating good looks for the likes of Draymond Green and Brandon Wood, Sparty can win it all.

Speaking of Green, few players mean more to their team than the senior forward. He pulled off the rare feat of averaging 16.2 points and 10.4 rebounds during the regular season and is as battle-tested and tourney ready as they come. This is the final chapter in his Michigan State career and you better believe he wants to go out with a bang. Green has the potential to be this year’s Kemba Walker.

How Far Can They Go?

The Spartans have senior leadership, a strong blend of size and speed and some serious toughness. There isn’t a single glaring flaw you can point out.

Then again, they couldn’t beat North Carolina or Duke. Sure the Big Ten is deep, but is it very strong at the top? Ohio State has been inconsistent and Wisconsin and Indiana aren’t championship contenders. But it’s not Michigan State’s fault the conference turned out that way.  They have won 10-of-12 games and are peaking at the perfect time.

This team knows how to win in March and they have a great shot of winning their first championship since 2000.

With Missouri the two-seed and a potential date with Memphis looming in Round 2, it’s certainly not going to be easy, but there is no doubt the Spartans are expected to reach the Final Four and beyond.

Not bad after starting the season 0-2. 

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