A West region clash pits the ninth-seeded Michigan State Spartans and the eighth-seeded Mississippi State Bulldogs. Michigan State finished the season at 19-14 overall and 10-10 in the Big Ten. Mississippi State finished the season at 21-13 overall and 8-10 in the SEC. The Spartans struggled down the stretch going 2-5 over their last 7. They were 18-14-1 ATS this season. Tyson Walker puts up 18.2 points a game while A.J. Hoggard adds 11.0 points per game. They are a senior-laden team that can go on a run or be knocked out in the first round.

Mississippi State like the Spartans finished the season going 2-5 over their last seven. Mississippi State comes into this contest at 17-16-1 ATS. Josh Hubbard puts up 17.1 points per game while Cameron Matthews adds 9.5 points per game. My heart says Michigan State as this team can make a deep run if they put things together. The fact they have been inconsistent all season with a senior-heavy team makes me nervous. They do play a tough defense and Mississippi State has a pedestrian offense. My head says to take Mississippi State as Michigan State does not have a good big man and they have underwhelmed all season.

I am going with my heart and taking Michigan State and that is why it is a FREE PLAY!