3 Michigan State vs. 14 Valparaiso
Tip-off: 12:15 today, The Palace, Auburn Hills
Records: Michigan State 25-8, Valparaiso 26-7
TV/radio: CBS/WJR
Guards
Keith Appling has been shooting better the past two weeks, but will have his hands full with Valparaiso's Erik Buggs , a fifth-year senior named to the Horizon League all-defensive team and MVP of the conference tournament. Gary Harris will need to bounce back from a rough Big Ten tournament, but was the top freshman in the Big Ten. Valparaiso gets outstanding 3-point shooting from Matt Kenney and Will Bogan that could keep the Crusaders in the game.
Edge: Michigan State
Frontcourt
Valparaiso senior Ryan Broekhoff was the Horizon League player of the year in 2012 and a first-team player this season, averaging 15.9 points shooting 43.2 percent from 3-point range. Kevin Van Wijk provides some bulk inside and averages 12.7 points and 5.5 rebounds. Michigan State provides a matchup problem with Derrick Nix on the block and Adreian Payne playing inside and out at 6-foot-10. Throw in an athletic Branden Dawson , and the Spartans have a bevy of athletes to throw at the Crusaders.
Edge: Michigan State
Bench
Valparaiso goes about nine deep and gets extensive contributions from its bench. The scoring, however, drops for the Crusaders after the top two of Ryan Broekhoff and Kevin Van Wijk . LaVonte Dority has provided a spark since sitting out the first semester after transferring from South Florida. Michigan State is healthy again, and that means plenty of minutes for Travis Trice and Denzel Valentine , while Alex Gauna and Matt Costello have done a good job spelling Ardeian Payne and Derrick Nix .
Edge: Even
Coaches
Michigan State's Tom Izzo is in his 18th season and coaching in his 16th straight NCAA Tournament. Along the way, Izzo has a national championship and six appearances in the Final Four. Bryce Drew doesn't have quite the resume Izzo does, but has won two straight Horizon League championships in two seasons. This is Drew's first appearance as a coach in the Tournament.
Edge: Michigan State
Prediction
Michigan State 68-55
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