The Michigan State Spartans, under the esteemed guidance of head coach Tom Izzo, enter the 2025 NCAA Tournament as the No. 2 seed in the South Region, boasting a 27-6 overall record that reflects a season of consistent excellence and resilience. The Spartans secured the Big Ten regular-season title with an 18-4 conference record, finishing three games ahead of their nearest competitors, a testament to their dominance in one of the nation’s most competitive leagues. Defensively, Michigan State has been formidable, limiting opponents to an average of 67.2 points per game and a shooting percentage of 40.3%, ranking them among the top defensive units nationally. This defensive prowess is anchored by a commitment to disciplined man-to-man coverage and relentless effort on the glass, where the Spartans average 36.8 rebounds per game and consistently outwork opponents for second-chance opportunities, helping them control tempo and limit fast-break chances for their adversaries. Offensively, Michigan State operates with a balanced attack that relies on efficient ball movement, a mix of perimeter shooting, and post play, spearheaded by the experienced backcourt of Jaden Akins and A.J. Hoggard, who together account for over 25 points per game while also serving as the primary facilitators of the offense. Akins, a sharpshooter with deep range and a quick release, stretches defenses and forces help coverage, opening up driving lanes and kick-out opportunities, while Hoggard’s strength and control allow him to dictate pace, absorb contact in the lane, and make high-IQ decisions with the ball in his hands. In the frontcourt, sophomore big man Jaxon Kohler brings size, agility, and touch around the rim, contributing 8.0 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, and his ability to seal defenders and score efficiently in the post gives the Spartans an interior scoring presence that can punish undersized teams like Bryant.

Michigan State also gets valuable minutes from wings like Tre Holloman and Malik Hall, who provide defensive versatility, spot-up shooting, and the veteran composure needed in high-stakes tournament games. One of the defining traits of Tom Izzo’s teams in March has always been their preparedness and execution, and this year is no exception—the Spartans are battle-tested, having played one of the nation’s toughest schedules and notching wins over elite opponents including Purdue, Maryland, and Wisconsin, and their 20-10 ATS record reflects their consistency in not just winning but covering spreads, especially against inferior competition. As the No. 2 seed facing a 15th-seeded Bryant squad that can score in bunches but struggles defensively, Michigan State will look to set the tone early with defensive pressure, controlled tempo, and physicality in the paint to prevent the Bulldogs from finding rhythm or confidence. The Spartans’ ability to limit turnovers, secure defensive rebounds, and capitalize on mismatches will be critical, particularly with Bryant’s unique size but relatively thin rotation, which Michigan State’s depth can wear down over the course of 40 minutes. Izzo’s focus entering this matchup will likely be on eliminating open looks from three, contesting every shot without fouling, and executing with precision in transition and half-court sets—if those goals are met, Michigan State is fully expected to advance comfortably to the Round of 32 and continue what many believe could be a deep tournament run. With a roster built for March, a coaching staff that’s seen every scenario, and a proven formula of defense, rebounding, and unselfish play, the Spartans are poised not only to dispatch Bryant in the opening round but to remind the college basketball world that few programs rise to the occasion in March quite like Michigan State.