Michigan State Spartans vs Bryant Bulldogs Picks and Predictions March 21st 2025

Tom Izzo Preps Michigan State for Late-Night Date with Bryant

Michigan State enters the NCAA Tournament as a No. 2 seed in the South Region with plans to stick around for the long haul. Their first challenge comes Friday night in Cleveland against America East champion Bryant in a late tip-off at 10 p.m. ET.

Michigan State Looks to Keep Momentum Rolling

The Spartans (27-6) secured the Big Ten regular-season title and extended their NCAA Tournament streak to 27 consecutive appearances under legendary head coach Tom Izzo. After navigating a grueling conference schedule, Izzo is confident his team is battle-tested for March Madness.

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“I’m ecstatic about where we are. We played awfully good ball. I think we’re prepared for the tournament.” — Tom Izzo

Michigan State played seven of its final eight games against ranked opponents, going 7-1 during that stretch before falling to Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals. As a program, the Spartans have experience as a No. 2 seed, with past runs ranging from a first-round exit in 2016 to a Final Four berth in 2019.

Bryant Ready for the Moment

Bryant (23-11) is making just its second NCAA Tournament appearance, having been eliminated in the First Four in 2022. Under head coach Phil Martelli Jr., the Bulldogs turned their season around after a slow start, finishing 17-2 after January 1.

Martelli Jr., son of longtime St. Joseph’s and Michigan assistant coach Phil Martelli Sr., received a congratulatory call from Izzo before Selection Sunday—before either coach knew they would be facing off.

“(Izzo) talked to my dad and said, ‘One of these predictions had us playing Bryant.’ And he said to my dad, ‘That really (stinks) for you.’ My dad asked why, and (Izzo) goes, ‘Because you have to root against your son.'” — Phil Martelli Jr.

Bryant features a strong one-two punch with Miami and Memphis transfer Earl Timberlake, the America East Player of the Year, who averages 15.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. Senior guard Rafael Pinzon leads the team in scoring with 18.5 points per game.

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Key Matchup Factors

Michigan State’s game plan remains rooted in Izzo’s core principles: control the boards, push the tempo in transition, and attack downhill. However, their shooting inconsistency could be a concern. The Spartans rank 325th nationally in three-point percentage (30.8%), with no clear perimeter threat.

Freshman Jase Richardson has been a revelation since entering the starting lineup in February, averaging 17.3 points per game. Playing alongside senior Jaden Akins, Richardson has embraced the moment and drawn praise from Izzo for his maturity.

“He’s beyond his years in youth. He’s not a freshman. Pressure does not seem to bother him.” — Tom Izzo

For Bryant to pull off the upset, they’ll need to capitalize on Michigan State’s shooting struggles while getting strong performances from Timberlake and Pinzon. Given the Spartans’ pedigree and late-season surge, Izzo’s squad enters as the heavy favorite, but March has proven time and again that anything can happen.

For those tracking college basketball predictions, this game presents an intriguing contrast between a tournament-tested powerhouse and a dangerous mid-major squad looking to make history.