What to know about Michigan State, Marquette's opponent in the second round of the NCAA Tournament

Emmett Prosser, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
·2 min read
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Another basketball season for Michigan State means more madness in March.

This is a record 25th straight NCAA Tournament for Spartans head coach Tom Izzo. The last time MSU missed the Big Dance was 1997.

Here is a little more about Michigan State:

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo reacts on the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin, Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) ORG XMIT: MICO104
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo reacts on the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Wisconsin, Friday, Jan. 17, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio) ORG XMIT: MICO104

Where is Michigan State?

East Lansing, Michigan

What is Michigan State's mascot?

Spartans

What conference does Michigan State play in?

Big Ten.

What was Michigan State's record this season?

Michigan State is 20-12 overall and finished 11-8 in the Big Ten. They played a very difficult non-conference schedule that included Alabama, Gonzaga and Kentucky.

Do Marquette and Michigan State have common opponents?

Yes, Marquette and Michigan State played Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Villanova and Purdue. Marquette defeated Notre Dame and Villanova (twice) but lost at Purdue in the Gavitt Games and suffered its only home loss to Wisconsin.

Michigan State beat Villanova and Wisconsin and lost to Purdue and Notre Dame.

How did Michigan State fare in the Big Ten tournament?

Michigan State was upset by Ohio State, 68-58, in the second round of the Big Ten tournament.

Who are Michigan State's key players?

Three Spartans average double figures in scoring, including guard Tyson Walker (14.6 points per game), forward Joey Hauser (14.2) and A.J Hoggard (12.5). Hauser also leads the team in rebounding, averaging about seven a game. Hoggard leads the team in assists.

Hauser transferred from Marquette after his freshman season. He averaged 9.7 points and 5.4 rebounds for the Golden Eagles.

What is Michigan State's NCAA Tournament history?

This is the 36th tournament appearance for Michigan State. The Spartans have a pair of national championships in 1979 and 2000.

How many times has Tom Izzo been to the Final Four?

Head coach Tom Izzo has been to the Final Four eight times and the national championship game three times. The Spartans' last Final Four appearance was in 2019.

Who did Michigan State beat in the first round of the NCAA Tournament?

The Spartans defeated USC, 72-62, on Friday.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: What to know about Michigan State, Marquette's foe in March Madness