Spartan Hoopla: Michigan State's Loss Is Fuel to Its March Madness Fire

An early 72-67 overtime loss Friday night in the Spartans' opening (and only) Big Ten Tournament game could end up being a motivating factor when it comes time to dance in the NCAA Tournament—and they need one right now.

And if the Spartans (24-8) can get fired up like their coach, they could end up being dangerous.

Michigan State, who hasn't won the Big Ten playoffs since 2000, lacked defensive intensity in the absence of Chris Allen—and Minnesota's guards took full advantage of the void left by him.

Devoe Joseph hit momentum killing three-pointer after three-pointer, and Sparty just couldn't answer back. Joseph finished with 17 points, shot 50 percent from beyond the arc (3-for-6), and kept the Gophers' tournament hopes alive.

Minnesota sophomore Colton Iverson played beyond his years against MSU.

Iverson presented himself as starter-worthy to his coach Tubby Smith. Should the Gophers receive an invitation the ball, he may just get a chance to show what he's made of.

It's true, no team that has lost in the first round of its conference tournament has gone on to win the National Championship—but don't tell Tom Izzo that.

Michigan State is still a contender and will continue to be as long as Mr. Final Four is at the helm.

March Madness is more about intelligent play; with an emphasis on fundamentals, basketball I.Q., and structure.

Izzo knows all about that.

With that being said, the Izzo clan will now have to regroup and align themselves as past Spartan squads have.

Perhaps a film session featuring past Final Four teams (all five) would be in order. This year's roster would benefit from emulating any one of them.

Raymar Morgan's recent play is nothing short of spectacular. Morgan, a four year starter, has shown that he's intent on making his senior session one for fans to remember. As a senior, he has the potential to be the glue to this year's team, much like Travis Walton was last year.

Morgan posted his second consecutive 20-point game (23 points) and has played like a man on a mission over the last two weeks. 

More Morgan is exactly what Sparty needs. He's averaging right around 18 points in his last four games and has been as physical as he ever has.

Michigan State will likely be a No. 3 seed, but no one knows for sure until Selection Sunday.

There are plenty of reasons for the Spartans' opposition to fear them: their coaching, their talent, and their drive.