This isn't a terrible matchup for my Spartans, but I don't think they can beat the Big East champs unless Marquette star Tyler Kolek bangs up his hand worse than he did in Round 1 vs. Vermont. Kolek, a lefty, finished with eight points and four assists, shooting 3 for 11 but having trouble finishing around the basket. The Golden Eagles are college basketball’s sixth-most efficient offense, per Kenpom, including No. 3 in two-point field goal percentage (58.6%). KenPom also has Marquette winning by 3. The Lansing State Journal beat writer for Sparty has them losing by four, so guess I have no choice here.

It should be a hard-fought battle between two teams on the rise, but I'm expecting Tyler Kolek and Kam Jones to step up when it matters. Marquette has won 10 games in a row and continues to rise to the occasion against quality opponents. While they are almost sure to lose the battle on the glass, the Golden Eagles' offensive efficiency and defensive pressure will be enough to help them cover.

Marquette point guard Tyler Kolek (13.3 ppg, 7.7 apg) -- the Big East Player of the Year -- will play despite injuring his thumb in Friday's win over Vermont. Fellow guard Stevie Mitchell will be just as important in this matchup. He's a tenacious defender who will harass Michigan State's loaded backcourt. The Golden Eagles are 24-2 straight-up this season when going off as favorites, and I like the way Marquette attacks the basket consistently. Lay the small number.