NCAA Tournament 2023: Ranking all remaining Sweet 16 teams

Mar 17, 2023; Denver, CO, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs bench players including center Efton Reid III (15) and guard Nolan Hickman (11) celebrate with forward Anton Watson (22) during the first half against the Grand Canyon Antelopes at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ciaglo-USA TODAY Sports /

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13. Michigan State Spartans – 21-12 (11-8 Big Ten)

Wins over USC and Marquette

It feels simply disrespectful to ever doubt a squad led by Tom Izzo, who makes the case for being the best head coach in all of NCAA Basketball and especially the NCAA Tournament. He took a roster that wasn’t ranked to start the season and went just above .500 in league play to the program’s first Sweet 16 appearance since 2019.

They took care of USC in the first round, 72-62. Four players were in double figures, led by 17 points and eight rebounds from Joey Hauser. Jaden Akins had a big game as well with 12 points, six rebounds, and three steals.

Michigan State was the underdog in the Round of 32 against 2-seed Marquette but took control early, leading 18-5. The Spartans lost the lead slowly and eventually trailed in the second half but had a strong five minutes to prevail late, 69-60. Tyson Walker was the offensive star in this one, going for 23 points. Both Hauser and Mady Sissoko handled business down low, each grabbing 10 rebounds.

This isn’t a roster that will wow you with individual talent but collectively, and especially in March under Coach Izzo, always finds a way to win in March. They’ll certainly have the coaching advantage when it comes to postseason experience against Jerome Tang and Kansas State but it’ll be a team effort against their star duo this week.

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