Bracketology: Michigan State now among ‘First Four Byes’ after Michigan win

By ADAM ZAGORIA

Death, taxes, Tom Izzo in the NCAA Tournament.

Book it.

Per ESPN’s Joe Lunardi, Michigan State is now projected among the “First Four Byes” in the NCAA Tournament after beating No. 2 Michigan, 70-64, behind 21 points from Rocket Watts and 18 points, five rebounds and three assists from Aaron Henry.

“We ain’t done yet,” Henry told reporters.

A quiet moment between Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo and Rocket Watts after Watts put up 21 points in the 70-64 victory over No. 2 University of Michigan. More at https://t.co/Ur0Mzzegvk pic.twitter.com/CmKXoIWwSa

— Daniel Mears (@MearsDaniel) March 8, 2021

Entering the day, the Spartans (15-11, 9-11 Big Ten) were among the “Last Four in.” Michigan State has not missed the NCAA Tournament since 1997.

The Spartans completed their third Top-5 win down the stretch after previous victories over Ohio State and Illinois last month.

This is MARCH ❕ pic.twitter.com/tVf6odWJZX

— Michigan State Basketball (@MSU_Basketball) March 8, 2021

The Big Ten, meantime, is projected to have two No. 1 seeds in Illinois and Michigan and four of the top 8 seeds, along with Ohio State and Iowa.

For more on the Big Ten, head on over to my piece on Forbes.com.

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