MARCH MADNESS SHOCKER: Michigan State Lands No. 2 Seed – But They Could Be Headed for Another Historic Collapse

Michigan State Gears Up for NCAA Tournament with No. 2 Seed in South Region

For a record-setting 27th consecutive season, Michigan State is heading to the NCAA Tournament. Following an impressive campaign that saw the Spartans surge to the top of the Big Ten standings, they enter March Madness as a No. 2 seed in the South Region. Their first-round matchup is set for Friday in Cleveland, where they will take on No. 15 seed Bryant (23-11). Tip-off is scheduled for 10 p.m. on TBS.

This is Michigan State’s highest tournament seeding since 2019, when another No. 2-seeded Spartans team advanced all the way to the Final Four. However, history serves as a cautionary tale—Michigan State has suffered a major upset as a No. 2 seed before, notably in 2016 when they were stunned by Middle Tennessee State in the first round.

“I’ve been part of a 2-15 loss. Been there, done that,” head coach Tom Izzo said on Sunday. “When you’ve been in this for 30 years and made 27 or 28 tournaments, you’ve seen everything. That’s why I don’t take anything for granted, and I don’t fear anything either.”

There was little doubt Michigan State would make the 68-team field this year. A deep 10-man rotation allowed different players to step up in critical moments, and their 13 Quadrant 1 victories—third-most in the country—helped solidify their standing. Most projections had the Spartans as a No. 2 seed, a position they confirmed despite a narrow 77-74 loss to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals.

That loss exposed some weaknesses Michigan State needs to address before tournament play begins. Wisconsin’s John Tonje erupted for 32 points, the Spartans struggled with foul trouble, and late-game execution issues cost them a spot in the championship game.

On Sunday morning, the coaching staff held a team meeting to dissect those mistakes. Rather than a harsh critique, Izzo emphasized the importance of learning from those errors to prepare for a deep postseason run.

“We kept it educational, not a yelling session or a blame game,” Izzo said. “We want them to see that if we’re serious about advancing, we have to clean up some of these things.”

Bryant, Michigan State’s first-round opponent, brings an experienced and battle-tested roster. The team is led by senior guard Earl Timberlake, the America East Player of the Year, who averages 15.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Timberlake’s journey has taken him from Miami to Memphis before finding his stride at Bryant, where he has thrived. Alongside him, senior guard Rafael Pinzon leads the Bulldogs in scoring at 18.5 points per game, making them a formidable underdog.

Adding an extra storyline to the matchup is Bryant head coach Phil Martelli Jr., the son of longtime St. Joseph’s head coach Phil Martelli. Izzo had nothing but praise for the younger Martelli, recognizing his coaching pedigree.

“I know Phil’s kid is a damn good coach, and I know he’s been raised the right way,” Izzo said. “His dad was one of the best in the business. We’re in for a challenge.”

Michigan State’s vast NCAA Tournament experience could give them an edge over Bryant, which has only made one prior tournament appearance—a First Four loss to Wright State in 2022. Veteran leadership will be key for the Spartans, with players like captain Jaden Akins providing guidance to younger teammates.

“You have to take it one game at a time,” Akins said. “The energy and intensity are going to be through the roof. There will be swings in momentum, so we have to stay locked in. The teams that do that are the ones that win.”

Freshman Jase Richardson will also be a key factor in Michigan State’s tournament hopes. Since joining the starting lineup 11 games ago, he has averaged 17.3 points per game, emerging as a difference-maker down the stretch. Despite his inexperience, Richardson carries a championship pedigree—his father, Jason Richardson, was a freshman on Michigan State’s 2000 national title team. Izzo believes that background will serve him well.

This No. 2 seed marks a significant shift from Michigan State’s lower tournament placements in recent years, including a First Four exit in 2021. The Spartans have won their opening-round game in each of the past three seasons, making a Sweet 16 run last year before falling to Kansas State in overtime.

“For me, I couldn’t be happier with where we are,” Izzo said. “We’ve faced some of the best teams, on the road, with short prep times. I think we’re battle-tested and ready for this tournament.”