As the NCAA Tournament approaches, the Michigan State Spartans are set to open their 2025 campaign as a formidable No. 2 seed, facing the America East champion Bryant Bulldogs. The match is scheduled for March 21, 2025, at approximately 10 p.m. ET at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Spartans, boasting a 27-6 record, come into this matchup with high expectations after clinching the Big Ten regular-season championship. However, they recently stumbled in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament against Wisconsin, losing 77-74 and ending an eight-game winning streak.
On the other hand, the Bulldogs hold a record of 23-11 and qualified for the NCAA Tournament by winning against Maine, 79-59, in their America East Conference championship showdown. This marked their second-ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament, following a previous showing in 2022. The Bulldogs will look to prove their mettle as they face a historically strong program.
Jaxon Kohler, a pivotal player for the Spartans, has stepped up significantly this season after overcoming foot surgery and challenges in the previous year. He has started the last 30 games, averaging eight points and 7.6 rebounds per game. Kohler's presence is crucial for Michigan State as they enter March Madness, with him sharing that the team's energy is contagious: “The great thing about this team is that we're always bouncing energy off of each other.”
The upcoming matchup will be fascinating, as it is the first time these two programs have met in NCAA history. The Spartans' storied legacy under coach Tom Izzo is contrasted by the Bulldogs' underdog narrative, featuring players like Earl Timberlake, who transferred from larger programs seeking a chance at success.
Timberlake, who has faced competition at prestigious institutions, expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete against Michigan State, underscoring their experiences with major programs. “That’s the beauty of playing AAU basketball,” Timberlake noted. “We’ve seen everybody. Everybody who’s at big schools, we’ve seen them.”
As both teams prepare for the game, Bryant’s strategy is firmly focused on a possession-by-possession approach. Coach Phil Martelli Jr. emphasizes the importance of discipline on both ends of the court and the need for effective offensive execution. “You have to go possession by possession,” Martelli stated, as the team gears up for one of the biggest games of the season.
The game promises high stakes not just for the players on the court but also for the fans watching, particularly in East Lansing, where Spartans fans are thrilled about the late start time. Unlike previous years when they had to adjust their work schedules, many will enjoy watching the game without the worry of missing it due to work obligations.
Despite the late hour, which some fans find inconvenient, it seems to be a boon for local businesses, particularly bars in East Lansing, which will see a positive impact from the game's scheduling. WalletHub highlights that corporate losses amount to over $17 billion due to unproductive work hours during March Madness, illustrating how significant these games are to both fans and the economy.
The Spartans enter the tournament with high hopes, motivated not only to advance but also to reclaim their footing after the recent loss to Wisconsin. As Kohler pointed out, despite the pressures of March Madness, it is vital to simplify the game, focusing on team performance: “Even though this is tournament time, this really isn't much different than a regular game.”
Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are eager to seize the moment and create an upset, eyeing the potential to become the eighth No. 15 seed to defeat a No. 2 seed in NCAA history. The only current example being Middle Tennessee State's famous victory over Michigan State in 2016.
All eyes will be on the Rockets Arena this Friday night, as fans from both sides gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating contest. With Jaxon Kohler leading the charge for the Spartans and the Bulldogs ready to cement their place in history, the stakes could not be higher.
How to watch the game:
- Game time: 10 p.m. ET, March 21, 2025
- TV: TBS
- Online stream: Max
- Radio: Spartan Media Network
- Betting odds: MSU favored by 17.5 points and over/under set at 152.5.
