Who: Michigan State Spartans (30-6) vs. LSU Tigers (28-6)
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
When: Friday, March 28th at 7:09 p.m.
Broadcast: CBS/Spartan Sports Network
Coming In
Michigan State handled Big Ten foe Minnesota 70-50. LSU is coming off a 69-67 victory over Maryland.
Keys for Michigan State
Box out: LSU is one of the top offensive rebounding teams in the country and Michigan State has been victim to long, athletic teams. The Spartans will need to keep the Tigers off the glass and not get up second-chance points.
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Take care of the ball: A major point of emphasis for Tom Izzo all year has been limiting turnovers. Michigan State has had multiple games this season with an absurd number of turnovers. LSU will be hungry to continue this trend.
Keys for LSU
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Stop Winston: Michigan State goes as their star point guard Cassius Winston goes. LSU will try to pressure Winston into turnovers and not let him facilitate the Spartan offense.
Hit open shots: Michigan State is one one the top defensive teams in the tournament. LSU will need to make their open looks to keep pace with the Spartans.
Prediction
Michigan State will struggle with the team length of LSU. With a strong second half from All-American Cassius Winston and strong team toughness, the Spartans pull away late.
Michigan State 75 LSU 67
