Michigan State basketball facing 'win and you’re in' game vs. Northwestern

Originally posted on Spartan Shadows | By Daily MSU | Last updated 3/6/24

According to an NCAA Tournament expert, Wednesday’s Northwestern vs. Michigan State basketball matchup is a “win and you’re in” game.

A lot is on the line in this next Michigan State basketball game. The Spartans play Northwestern at home on Wednesday, and a win is important for many reasons. MSU would love to end their three-game losing streak as well as get a win for their seniors on senior night. There are also a lot of Big Ten Tournament seeding implications on this game as well.

But there is one other thing that is more important than all of those things combined: the NCAA Tournament.

The Spartans are considered a “lock” by some to make the tournament already. Others, including myself, think there is still work to be done. Northwestern sits in a very similar spot as well. The Wildcats are in position to make the Big Dance but likely need one or two more wins to make it in. That’s why one bracket expert has this game labeled as a “win and you’re locked in” game for both teams.

NCAAT Bubble Games to Watch this week from Tuesday – Thursday⬇️ pic.twitter.com/t5Y7edpyBp

— Ryan Hammer (@ryanhammer09) March 5, 2024

Win and you’re in

Ryan Hammer is one of the more respected NCAA Tournament experts out there. He updates his tournament field regularly, listing every team he would have in the tournament along with their seed. He also watches which games impact the tournament bubble the most, and the Spartans’ game Wednesday headlines them all.

As I mentioned before, both MSU and Northwestern are in the tournament field as it stands today. But they both also need to do a little work. Meaning that if either team loses the rest of their games they won’t make the tournament.

That’s why Michigan State’s game on Wednesday is so important. If the Spartans can win, they have a great chance at extending their tournament streak regardless of what happens the rest of the season. I personally think MSU needs two more wins to feel 100 percent confident they’ll make the tournament, but I do think they can get in with one win as well.

I, however, do not want to have to sweat out Selection Sunday, or even need to do well in the Big Ten Tournament to get in. So MSU needs to finish the season strong with two wins in their final regular season games. That all begins Wednesday on senior night against Northwestern.

This article first appeared on Spartan Shadows and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: