Best non-conference games for Michigan State teams

This may be Michigan State’s finest collection of NCAA basketball teams since 1998, when Michigan State, Eastern Michigan, Detroit Mercy, Michigan and Western Michigan Michigan have participated in the NCAA Tournament.

That year, the Spartans as the No. 4 seed reached the Sweet Sixteen before falling to the Tar Heels, the Wolverines as the No. 3 seed lost to UCLA in the second round, Western Michigan as the No. 11 seed upset Clemson in the first round before losing to Stanford in the second round, Detroit Mercy as the No. 10 seed upset St. Johns in the first round before falling to Purdue in the second round, and Eastern Michigan as the No. 13 seed lost to Michigan State in the first round.

It is entirely possible that four teams from Michigan State could participate in the NCAA tournament this season, as there are talented teams from Michigan State this season. There’s no doubt that one of the five mid-major teams wins non-conference games against quadrant one and quadrant two teams, wins its regular season conference title, makes it to the finals of the conference tournament and loses but qualifies as a general tournament bid. If there is a time for five Division 1 teams from Michigan State to compete in the NCAA Tournament, 2023 is the year it can be done. A lot of things have to happen, but it’s a possibility.

Let’s look at the best non-conference games we know about for this upcoming season for Michigan State teams. Winning those tough non-conference games is key to helping teams qualify for the NCAA Tournament in 2023.

Honorable mentioned

* Oakland vs. Long Beach State in the Nassau Championship Tournament on Nov. 25.

* West Michigan at Rice on Nov. 19.

* Central Michigan at Minnesota TBA.

* Western Michigan at Dayton on Nov. 30.

* Eastern Michigan at Bradley on Nov. 15.

*Detroit Mercy to Florida Atlantic TBA.

Top 15 non-conference games

15. Oakland at Syracuse on Dec. 6

Syracuse is undefeated against the Golden Grizzlies as they are 4-0 against them. They last played in 2019, Orange men beat Oakland that year by a final score of 74-62. The Golden Grizzlies and head coach Greg Kampe are looking to shake up the road this year and it will be a difficult but not impossible task to accomplish.

14. Central Michigan at Michigan on Dec. 30

Since 2002, the Chippewas and Wolverines have played each other six times, with all games taking place on Michigan’s home court. Central Michigan won twice during that span in 2002 and 2007, with Michigan claiming four of six wins over the Chippewas. The Wolverines have won the last two games these teams have faced and are expected to be heavy favorites against Central Michigan when they meet this season. The Chippewas have beaten Michigan twice before, so a surprise isn’t out of the question, but it’s highly unlikely.

13. Western Michigan at Iowa State on Dec. 18

This will be the first-ever meeting between these two schools as the Broncos look to pull off an upset in Ames, Iowa. Cyclones should be a Top 50 The team entering this season and the Broncos haven’t proven themselves based on last season’s win total, but Western Michigan has a new head coach and several returning starters and can give Iowa State a good run. race in this non-conference game.