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March Madness 2016: Overrated/underrated teams

By Connor Muldowney

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Underrated Teams

Mar 13, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans celebrate winning the Big Ten Championship against the Purdue Boilermakers during the Big Ten conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Michigan State defeats Purdue 66-62. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 13, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans celebrate winning the Big Ten Championship against the Purdue Boilermakers during the Big Ten conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Michigan State defeats Purdue 66-62. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Michigan State Spartans (19-5)

Seed: 2

vs. RPI 51-100 teams: 5-0

Tom Izzo has earned the nickname “Mr. March” for a reason. Seven Final Fours in the past two decades is an incredible accomplishment, but his Michigan State Spartans will be playing this year’s NCAA Tournament with a gigantic chip on their shoulders.

Coming into the Big Ten Tournament, Michigan State was ranked No. 2 in the country and as a borderline No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament projections. A week later, the Spartans have won three straight games against Ohio State, No. 18 Maryland and No. 13 Purdue for the Big Ten Tournament title, yet have dropped to a No. 2 seed. What?

Yes, I’m calling a No. 2 seed underrated strictly because Michigan State deserved the No. 1 seed more than just about anybody — other than Kansas. However, the Spartans already have a win over Kansas this season as well as quality victories over Providence, Louisville, Maryland (twice), Wisconsin and Purdue.

The Spartans are 20-4 versus RPI top 150 teams and have just one poor loss against Nebraska this season.

You’re telling me the No. 2 team in college basketball before winning the Big Ten Tournament falls to a No. 2 seed in March Madness? Unbelievable.

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