Michigan State women's basketball vs Harvard prediction: Who has March Madness advantage?

• Michigan State women’s basketball play their first game of the NCAA tournament against the No. 10 seed Harvard Crimson.
• Both teams had strong offensive seasons, but the Spartan’s defense could be key to their success for the game.

The Michigan State women’s basketball team is headed to the NCAA tournament for the second straight year.

The Spartans will enter the tournament as the No. 7 seed when they take on the No. 10 seed in the Spokane-1 region opening game in Raleigh. It will mark first matchup between the two schools.

Like their in-state rival Michigan Wolverines women’s team, Michigan State has never have won the national championship. The team did make it to the championship game in 2005, but came up short against Baylor.

Watch Michigan State-Harvard on Fubo

Who has the advantage on offense?

The Spartans finished third in scoring in the Big Ten, averaging 79.5 points per game and 45% from the field. However, they placed in the bottom half of the conference in 3-point shooting at 34%.

Harvard placed similarly in the Ivy League and averaged 69 points in their 30 games. The Crimson shot 43% from the floor and 31% from behind the arc.

Michigan State created more opportunities at the free throw line this season, where they shot 16 a game compared to Harvard’s 10. The Spartans also have the edge when distributing the ball with 18 assists per game.

Advantage: Michigan State

What about the defense?

Rebounds have been known to make or break games during March Madness. The Spartans collected 37 rebounds a game, 25 of which came on the defensive end.

The Crimson suffered with turnover woes this season, averaging 12 per game. Michigan State stole the ball from opponents equally as many times.

When it comes to rim protection, the advantage favors the Spartans.

Advantage: Michigan State

Players to watch

Michigan State: Oregon transfer Grace VanSlooten will continue to impact her team. The junior forward led in points this season and shot 53% from the field and averaged seven rebounds.

Harvard: Senior guard Harmoni Turner led the Crimson’s offense in multiple categories, including points, steals, assists, rebounds and 3-point shooting.

Michigan State vs. Harvard final prediction

Despite losing three of their last five games, the Spartans should advance to the second round of the tournament. Michigan State’s defense against Harvard will be the deciding factor if they move on or not. The pick: Michigan State 81, Harvard 67.

Contact Eric Guzmán: eguzman@freepress.com; 313-222-1850. Follow him on X: @EricGuzman90.

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