What to know about Michigan State ahead of Mississippi State's matchup in March Madness this week.
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00:00 Michigan State's men's basketball team is officially in March Madness and they're set to play Michigan State in the Opie round this Thursday at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
00:09 Now with the stage set, here's what Bulldog fans should expect from the Spartans in their upcoming matchup.
00:14 Now Michigan State is entering the tournament as a 9-seed and as a set of versatile players, with guard Tyson Walker leading the team in points per game with 18.2, as well as ranking 3rd in the Big Ten Conference in steals per game with 1.8 steals.
00:28 Also be on the lookout for Spartan guard AJ Hogger who ranks 4th in the Big Ten in assists per game averaging 5.2 assists.
00:36 Despite their versatility, it wasn't easy for them to get into the tournament.
00:40 They notably lost early in the season to James Madison and finished 10-10 in Big Ten Conference play, including 3-7 on the road.
00:47 They entered the tournament with a 19-14 overall record, but longtime Spartans head coach Tom Izzo has led them to their 24th straight tournament appearance, which is an NCAA record.
00:58 With him at the helm, expect a tough battle between the Bulldogs and Spartans when they tip off in Charlotte this Thursday.
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