North Dakota State Basketball vs. Michigan State: NCAA Tournament First Round Preview
The NCAA Tournament is here, and the excitement is building! In a first-round matchup brimming with potential, the 3-seed Michigan State Spartans will face off against the 14-seed North Dakota State Bison. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this intriguing contest.
Game Details
- What: Michigan State vs. North Dakota State, NCAA Tournament First Round
- When: Thursday, 4:05 p.m. ET
- Where: KeyBank Center, Buffalo, New York
- TV/Radio: TNT / Spartan Sports Network (WJIM 1240-AM & WMMQ 94.9-FM); SiriusXM Ch. 203
Team Records & Rankings
Michigan State enters the tournament with a strong 25-7 overall record, finishing second in the Big Ten with a 15-5 conference record. They are currently ranked No. 11 in both the Associated Press and USA TODAY Coaches polls. Advanced metrics further solidify their position, ranking No. 11 in the NET rankings and No. 9 according to Kenpom.com.
North Dakota State arrives in Buffalo with an impressive 27-7 record, having dominated the Summit League with both the regular season and conference championship titles (14-2 in conference play). While unranked by major polls, they hold a respectable No. 114 in the NET rankings and No. 115 on Kenpom.com.
Betting Line & Coaches
The Spartans are favored by 16.5 points. Tom Izzo, the legendary head coach of Michigan State, boasts a career record of 763-309 over 31 seasons, all with the Spartans. David Richman, in his 12th season leading North Dakota State, has a record of 238-149.
Series History
This marks the first-ever meeting between Michigan State and North Dakota State. The Bison made the jump to Division I basketball in the 2003-04 season.
Projected Lineups
Michigan State
- C: Carson Cooper (6-11)
- PF: Jaxon Kohler (6-9)
- SF: Coen Carr (6-5)
- SG: Jordan Scott (6-7)
- PG: Jeremy Fears Jr. (6-2)
North Dakota State
- C: Treyson Anderson (6-9)
- F: Markhi Strickland (6-6)
- G: Trevian Carson (6-3)
- G: Damari Wheeler-Thomas (6-0)
- PG: Andy Stefonowicz (6-2)
Team Updates & Key Insights
Michigan State is peaking at the right time, showcasing a balanced offense and defense. They rank No. 24 in offensive efficiency and No. 13 in defensive efficiency according to Kenpom. Their rebounding prowess is particularly noteworthy, leading the nation in defensive rebounding and ranking fourth in offensive rebounding. Jeremy Fears Jr. has broken the program’s single-season assist record with 294, averaging a nation-leading 9.2 assists per game. This is the Spartans’ 28th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance under Coach Izzo.
North Dakota State has dominated the Summit League, excelling in offensive and defensive rebounding, efficiency, and 3-point shooting within their conference. Their roster features a core of players who have grown together within the program. Markhi Strickland (formerly of Western Michigan) and Max Majerle (son of NBA legend Dan Majerle) are players to watch. This is their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2019.
Matchup Analysis
North Dakota State’s strength lies in their guard play and shooting ability. They boast several players capable of hitting from beyond the arc, shooting 39.1% from three-point range in conference play. However, they lack a dominant presence driving to the basket. Michigan State’s defense, particularly their ability to defend the perimeter, will be crucial. If the Spartans can control the glass and limit turnovers, they should be in a strong position to advance.
Prediction
While North Dakota State is a dangerous shooting team, Michigan State’s overall strength and experience should prove too much to overcome. Expect the Spartans to control the boards and capitalize on transition opportunities.
Prediction: Michigan State 78, North Dakota State 64
For more in-depth analysis, check out ESPN’s NCAA Tournament Preview.
