Analyzing the Spartans
The Key
Guard play. Sophomore Korie Lucious (five turnovers) was shaky against aggressive Tennessee. He’ll face an even tougher challenge against Butler, which has the best defensive backcourt in the Final Four.
The Troublemaker
Durrell Summers has emerged from Tom Izzo’s doghouse. In the last three games he has hit 25 of 39 (64.1 percent) from the floor and 14 of 22 from beyond the arc (63.6 percent), averaging 22 points and five rebounds.
Why they’ll win it all
Coaching, tenacity and experience. Izzo is at the peak of his power. No team in Indianapolis can match the Spartans’ rebounding ethic or the valuable experience they gained in going to the Final Four in 2009.
Why they’ll fall short
The injury-riddled Spartans have gone as far as Izzo can carry them. They might have enough to get past Butler, but there are too many deficiencies — ball handling, scoring, quickness — to win an NCAA title.
| Category | The Skinny | Rating |
| Coaching | With six Final Fours in 12 years, Tom Izzo is destined for the Hall of Fame. | 3 |
| Frontcourt | With Draymond Green and Raymar Morgan, MSU loaded with muscle, presence and tenacity. | 2.5 |
| Backcourt | Summers is on a roll, but Lucious is a liability. Allen helps a little. | 1.5 |
| Bench | Green gets starter’s minutes. Izzo is an expert at employing reserves. | 2.5 |
| Experience | Going to 2009 Final Four is a huge plus, but it would be nice to have Lucas. |
2.5 |
| The rating: 1 – The chink in the armor. Teams must attack West Virginia here; 2 – Not their greatest strength. But also not their weakest link; 3 – If West Virginia wins the title, this will be the reason. |
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