Michigan State Spartans men's basketball
Michigan State's Aaron Henry (0) is defended by UCLA's Jules Bernard (1), Tyger Campbell (10), Johnny Juzang (3) and Cody Riley (2) during the second half of a First Four game in the NCAA men's college basketball tournament, early Friday, March 19, 2021, at Mackey Arena in West Lafayette, Ind. UCLA won 86-80. (AP Photo/Robert Franklin)
710 days later, NCAA Tournament is back with 'First Four'

By Jim Litke Mar. 19, 2021 02:32 AM EDT

FILE- In this Thursday, March 4, 2021, file photo, Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo directs his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich. Michigan State and coach Tom Izzo are in an unfamiliar position. This time, Michigan State needed a late surge just to get into the Big Dance, and they’ll have to win an extra game, too. The Spartans (15-12) will face UCLA (17-9) on Thursday in a First Four matchup of No. 11 seeds in the East Region.(AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
Michigan St, Izzo in new spot as First Four participants

By Cliff Brunt Mar. 17, 2021 03:33 PM EDT

Iona head coach Rick Pitino, from left, Isaiah Ross and Dylan van Eyck pose with the trophy after winning an NCAA college basketball game against Fairfield during the finals of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference tournament, Saturday, March 13, 2021, in Atlantic City, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Pitino in NCAA Tournament, Kentucky out after chaotic season

By John Marshall Mar. 14, 2021 10:27 PM EDT

Colgate players celebrate beating Loyola (Md.), in an NCAA college basketball game in the finals of the Patriot League tournament, Sunday, March 14, 2021, in Hamilton, N.Y. (AP Photo/John Munson)
The Latest on Selection Sunday: NCAAs start with SWAC vs NEC

By The Associated Press Mar. 14, 2021 10:16 PM EDT

The Michigan bench reacts after winning the Big Ten title against Michigan State in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Thursday, March 4, 2021, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
No. 2 Michigan clinches Big Ten, beats Michigan State 69-50

By Noah Trister Mar. 04, 2021 11:17 PM EST

Nebraska guard Trey McGowens (2) knocks the ball from Michigan State guard Rocket Watts (2) in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in East Lansing, Mich., Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Staggering Spartans struggling with play of point guards

By Larry Lage Feb. 11, 2021 02:20 PM EST

Michigan State guard Jack Hoiberg (10) hugs his father, Nebraska head coach Fred Hoiberg, after an NCAA college basketball game in East Lansing, Mich., Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021. Michigan State won 66-56. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan State ends 4-game skid with 66-56 win over Nebraska

By Larry Lage Feb. 06, 2021 10:08 PM EST

FILE - Kansas head coach Bill Self looks on as Kansas plays TCU during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Fort Worth, texas, in this Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, file photo. Bill Self acknowledged this is a new feeling for him. In nearly two decades at Kansas, he has never been out of the hunt for the Big 12 title before the calendar flipped to February. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins, File)
Bluebloods feeling black and blue as hoops hits homestretch

By Dave Skretta Jan. 29, 2021 03:05 PM EST

Stanford forward Cameron Brink (22) celebrates after scoring against Southern California with teammates Hannah Jump, left, and Haley Jones during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Santa Cruz, Calif., Sunday, Jan. 24, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
The Latest: Stanford's athletic teams set for campus return

By The Associated Press Jan. 26, 2021 01:05 PM EST

Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo yells from the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Rutgers, Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, in East Lansing, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The Latest: Michigan State-Iowa basketball game postponed

By The Associated Press Jan. 13, 2021 11:11 AM EST

West Virginia coach Bob Huggins talks with Jalen Bridges during the first half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Gonzaga, Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Latest: Michigan State-Virginia hoops postponed

By The Associated Press Dec. 08, 2020 10:46 AM EST

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo talks to his team during a timeout during the first half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Eastern Michigan, Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020, in East Lansing, Mich. Michigan State won 83-67. (AP Photo/Al Goldis)
No. 13 Michigan State opens with 83-67 win over E. Michigan

By Larry Lage Nov. 25, 2020 08:38 PM EST

Maryland head coach Mike Locksley, center, talks with his players during a timeout late in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
Maryland-Michigan State canceled after Terps' virus outbreak

By David Ginsburg Nov. 19, 2020 11:04 AM EST

FILE - In this Jan. 12, 2020, file photo, Michigan State coach Tom Izzo gestures during the second half of the team's NCAA college basketball game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo has tested positive for COVID-19. The school’s athletic department made the announcement Monday, Nov. 9, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo tests positive for COVID-19

By Larry Lage Nov. 09, 2020 04:27 PM EST

Prep hoops star Emoni Bates commits to play for Michigan St

Jun. 29, 2020 04:08 PM EDT
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan high school basketball standout Emoni Bates has committed to play at Michigan State for the class of 2022. ...