Michigan State will open the NCAA Tournament not too far from home. The Spartans (27-6) landed a No. 2 seed in the South Region and will face Bryant (23-11) in a first-round game on Thursday at Rocket Arena in Cleveland. The winner will advance to face either No. 7 Marquette or No. 10 New Mexico on Sunday.

For the 27th straight season, Michigan State will play in March Madness. After an unexpected run to the top of the Big Ten standings this season, the Spartans (27-6) earned a No. 2 seed in the South Region, where it faces No. 15 seed Bryant (23-11) on Friday in Cleveland.

For the first time in years, Michigan State basketball fans got to head into Selection Sunday without as much anxiety about being on the bubble. After winning the title, Michigan State had secured a top seed in the NCAA Tournament no matter what, so Sunday became more about the first match-up and potential later match-ups in the region.