NCAA March Madness: Michigan State Spartans Squeak By, Face Terps Sunday

A widely-discussed lane violation potentially saved the Michigan State Spartans in their first game of the NCAA tournament. However, it may be sort of a reach to say that is what won the game.

Even though the New Mexico State Aggies, who were pummeled in the first half, did a complete 180 in the second half and defended and shot as well as they could, they were facing a team that played in the national title game just last year. One call did not decide the game, but experience played a major factor.

Now the No. 5 seeded Spartans are set to face off against the No. 4 seeded Maryland Terrapins. Maryland derailed Houston Friday night, although seeding has meant almost nothing thus far in this year’s tourney. Many lower seeds have come out victorious and the trend doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon.

This is not a matchup which presents a lot of disparity, though.

The Spartans are battle-tested and are co-champions in a hard-nosed conference. The Terps aren’t too shabby either, especially considering their Hall of Fame coach Gary Williams and one of the best guards in America in Greivis Vasquez.

Something’s got to give, but in what capacity?

If Michigan State can put a full game together—an aspect of their season which has been difficult to procure—then they can definitely pull out the victory and book a trip to the Sweet 16. But if they don’t come out strong and continue stepping on the gas pedal as they did last night, it may result in an early exit for Tom Izzo and company.

If Kalin Lucas can get 20-plus points again and get help from Raymar Morgan, Durrell Summers, and Draymond Green, there is no reason why Michigan State should not pull it out. It’s just all the “what-ifs” that must be overcome, and they are questions which have plagued the team since the season began.

On the defensive end, the goal is not to stop Vasquez, but as Izzo said, they must “contain” him.

He can score a variety ways. He can stroke the three, drive to the lane and make jumpers from anywhere on the court. He is also pretty good in transition. If Michigan State makes him become more of a facilitator and less of a scorer, it may pay dividends unless other Maryland players step up and make big plays.

It will be a battle of intense wits and great coaching minds. At this time of year, that’s only half the battle.