Michigan State vs. Long Island: Game Time, TV Schedule, Spread and Predictions

With their Big Ten conference tournament title vaulting them into a No. 1 seed, the Michigan State Spartans will begin their quest for another Final Four appearance on Friday when they take on LIU Brooklyn.

The Spartans, like they do almost every year, are playing their best basketball at the perfect time. Star forward Draymond Green has been dominant at both ends of the floor, and the team, as always, is very well-coached by Tom Izzo.

As champions of the Northeast Conference, LIU Brooklyn is making an exciting NCAA tournament appearance but face the challenge that no No. 16 seed has ever accomplished: defeating a top seed.

Let's preview this exciting second-round matchup.

Where: Nationwide Arena, Columbus, Ohio

Watch: TBS

When: Friday, March 16 at 9:20 p.m. ET

Spread: TBD

Key Injuries (Via USA Today)

Michigan State guard Branden Dawson is done for the season with an ACL tear.

LIU Brooklyn has no reported injuries.

What's At Stake?

LIU Brooklyn will attempt the impossible task of defeating a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament as a No. 16 seed. With the higher amount of parity in today's college basketball, it's possible that we may see a major upset of a No. 1 seed sooner rather than later.

For Michigan State, this should be an easy win in a West region that is set up very nicely for them en route to a Final Four appearance.

What They're Saying

If there's one thing the West region has, it's athletic teams, which is what Spartans head coach Tom Izzo pointed out via the Detroit Free Press:

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"I think there are two areas that concern me," Izzo said Monday. "I said that a couple weeks ago and I still say it: It comes down to matchups in the NCAA tournament. I look at some of the teams, from LIU (Long Island University Brooklyn -- MSU's opening opponent) to Memphis to...Louisville's and Marquette's (athleticism)...We have a very athletic pod."

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Most Important Player to Watch: Draymond Green

The senior forward is averaging 16.4 points per game this season in addition to his spectacular defense. Green has a ton of experience with previous Final Four games under his belt and is a fierce leader on the court for the Spartans.

If Michigan State is going to make a deep run in March Madness, then Green must carry them there with solid play at both ends of the floor. His scoring and rebounding will be key to the Spartans' national title hopes.

Key Matchup: Spartans Defense vs. LIU Brooklyn's High-Scoring Offense

LIU Brooklyn was the third highest scoring team in all of college basketball this season and have scored 90 or more points eight times.

They have five players averaging at least 9.6 points per game, compared to the Spartans having just two players averaging 9.5 or more points per game this year.

The Spartans cannot afford to dig themselves a big hole early, because with LIU's high-scoring offense, it will be difficult to make a comeback.

Prediction: Michigan State wins 89-70

This is going to be an exciting, fast-paced game with a ton of scoring. Michigan State's depth and size in the frontcourt will be too much for LIU Brooklyn to handle, but they will give a valiant effort.