Connor Earegood of The Detroit News breaks down Michigan State’s first-round opponent in the NCAA Tournament and predicts the outcome:
Michigan State vs. North Dakota State scouting report
Michigan State vs. North Dakota State prediction
Michigan State (25-7) knows it can’t overlook any opening-round opponent — that’s how you get Middle Tennessee State’s upset in 2016, which will always give Tom Izzo a teaching point this time of year. But the Spartans have the size and physicality to outmatch North Dakota State (27-7), who hasn’t played anyone of MSU’s ilk all season. And a Big Ten Tournament loss to UCLA is enough of a gut check to make this game as routine as it should be. Final: 78-63 Michigan State
➤BRACKET CHALLENGE: Think you can beat our expert? Join USA TODAY’s Bracket Challenge today!
➤SURVIVOR POOL: Ready to win March Madness? Join USA TODAY’s Survivor Pool today!
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Michigan State vs. North Dakota State scouting report, prediction for March Madness first round
Reporting by Connor Earegood, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

