Spartans have edge against New Mexico State

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It’s a statistical mismatch.

The five-12 matchup between the MSU men’s basketball team and New Mexico State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Friday (7:20 p.m. ET, CBS) is, on paper, a green hue.

But, then again, it is March. Anything can happen.

Frontcourt

After the loss to Minnesota in the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Tournament, MSU head coach Tom Izzo brought out forwards Draymond Green and Raymar Morgan, referring to them as the “bruise brothers.” It’s true — the two of them have been leading the Spartans’ overachieving frontcourt of late.

With the interior pegged as one of the weaknesses for MSU at the beginning of the season, Morgan has led the team in scoring with 19.3 points per game during the last four games and Green has continued to clean up on the glass on second-chance opportunities. When sophomore forward Delvon Roe is healthy, he’s a defensive menace in the paint, as well.

The Aggies counter with forward Wendell McKines and center Hamidu Rahman, explosive post players who both are averaging near double-doubles.

Advantage: Even

Backcourt

It’s difficult to say just how good either teams’ backcourt is.

The Aggies have played two-thirds of their season without talented guard Troy Gillenwater because of academic issues, who is good for at least a dozen a game.

If they get hot, the 3-point shot could make them a trendy upset pick.

The same unpredictability goes for the Spartans. Izzo is convinced All-Big Ten guard Kalin Lucas has something to prove, while the Spartans will be getting back junior guard Chris Allen from a one-game suspension.

The real question mark lies with junior guard Durrell Summers and the effort he puts forth on both ends of the floor.

Advantage: MSU

Coaching

New Mexico State head coach Marvin Menzies is 60-40 in three seasons with the Aggies, having assistant coaching stints at Louisville, UNLV, Southern California and San Diego State. He’ll be making his first NCAA Tournament appearance Friday in Spokane, Wash.

On the other bench, Izzo greets March with open arms, and not because the sun comes out, the temperature warms and flowers bloom. He’s recognized as one of the best postseason coaches in the nation, and MSU has racked up a 31-11 record in 12 NCAA Tournaments, a .738 tourney winning percentage.

Advantage: MSU

Intangibles

The Midwest region historically has been very good to MSU.

It’s the Spartans’ eighth appearance in that quadrant of the bracket, through which they’ve advanced to three Final Fours (1999, 2000 and 2009).

Additionally, the Spartans are 18-5 in 23 first-round NCAA Tournament games and 9-3 under Izzo.

Izzo and the Spartans also will be playing in front of former MSU head coach and Hall of Famer Jud Heathcote, who makes his home in Spokane.

Izzo said Heathcoate’s presence, in itself, will serve as motivation for the Green and White.

Advantage: MSU

Prediction: MSU 88, New Mexico State 69

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