Michigan State is healthy and playing like it. After going through the season with an inconsistent lineup thanks to numerous injuries to top players, everyone is at 100 percent and the Spartans are in the Sweet 16 because of it. The road was not easy for the team. After starting out 18-1 and even spending time ranked at the top, they failed to crack the Top 25 rankings for the final three weeks of the season. However, the Spartans picked the right time to get healthy as they face No. 1 seed Virginia on Friday.
Virginia finished the season strong and got a top seed as a result. They won the ACC Conference outright for the first time since 1981. They swept the conference tournament right after, closing the season 18-1. With health issues not a factor for the team, the Cavaliers are hoping momentum is in their favor during this magical season. This is Virginia's first Sweet 16 appearance since 1995. A win against Michigan State would be the team's 31st, a school record.
Michigan State will pair their top offense against Virginia's top defense. The Spartans are averaging 76.6 points per game which is 10 better than Virginia. The Cavaliers lead the nation in defense, allowing opponents to put up just 55.5 points per game. The Cavaliers like to describe their defense in football terms. Joe Harries who is the team's leading scorer claims Virginia's defense plays smash mouth ball. Michigan State intends to test that.
The Spartans are happy to have a healthy lineup. Adreian Payne is back after missing eight games with a foot injury. He is fresh off a game where he put up 41 points against Delaware, setting a school record. If Payne can continue the high scoring, Michigan State will have no issues against the Cavaliers' defense.
