NCAA Tournament: Duke, Virginia Tech, Michigan State and LSU remain in East Region

Key Questions

Who will play big in LSU vs. Michigan State?

The Michigan State Spartans have been here before in a way given head coach Tom Izzo’s resume. They were also 10-3 against Quadrant 1 opponents entering the NCAA Tournament. The Spartans and Tigers will meet for the first time since the 1978-79 season. Both teams have their fair share of star power with guard Cassius Winston for the Spartans and Tremont Waters for the Tigers.

Now, it’s just a matter of who will play big for who. Expectations will be high for both squads entering Friday night and with so much uncertainty, that’s usually when fans can expect the unexpected.

Can the Hokies upset Duke again?

The Blue Devils and Hokies will meet for the second time this season. The Hokies defeated the Blue Devils 77-72 back on Feb. 26 in Blacksburg. While Duke was without Zion Williamson, Virginia Tech was also without senior leader Justin Robinson. Both are back in the rotation for what should be a fun game.

Reddish is averaging 12.5 points per game, though he did make a big 3-pointer against UCF to bring the Blue Devils within a point. They’ll need more of that from him and then some against a tough defensive team. Jones is averaging 8.0 points, 4.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game on 35 percent shooting from the field. A big shooting game from him could change things.

Which “other” draft prospects will step up?

All the headlines have gone to Duke’s Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett but they aren’t the only prospects that have NBA scouts salivating. The LSU Tigers have Naz Reid. The Hokies have Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The Spartans have Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman. With the season on the line and on the national stage, this is usually the time where players start to set themselves apart with big individual performances. The stage is set now. Look out for some players to raise their stock this weekend.