The Sweet Profile: Michigan State Spartans

TEAM: MICHIGAN STATE

REGION: South

LAST WEEKEND: Defeated #12 Temple, defeated #4 Pitt

Next Game: vs Memphis

Michigan State got here because of: Drew Neitzel. Neitzel's senior leadership and clutch shooting has paced the Spartans all season long, so why should the NCAA Tournament be any different? Of course, Raymar Morgan is capable of carrying the scoring load, too, like he did against Temple.

What the Sweet 16 really means: Before the season began, many people predicted the Spartans would win the Big Ten and advance to at least the Sweet 16. As the season went on however, that opinion changed. The Spartans are finally playing the kind of basketball that fans have been waiting for - and just when it counts too...

Chances to Reach San Antonio: Memphis' tourney time is winding down to a close. Their lack of free throw shooting and inability to safely put close games away will hurt them - but not in this game. Michigan State gives up too much athleticism to the Tigers, who should live for at least one more week. But credit Tom Izzo, he got his guys to play their tails off to finish out the year.