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Kansas vs. Michigan State prediction and game preview, as the No. 1 Jayhawks and No. 9 Spartans face off in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

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Kansas started slow but eventually took control of the game against UC-Davis and cruised to a 100-62 victory. The Jayhawks were balanced with all five starters going for double digits in points while Frank Mason III dealt out eight assists in the opening round win.

Michigan State also started slow, but that was followed by a typical Tom Izzo team performance: excellent shot selection and gritty defense. Nick Ward led the Spartans with 19 points while Miles Bridges followed with 18 points of his own.

Kansas vs. Michigan State Game Preview

Date: Sunday, March 19
Venue: BOK Center, Tulsa, Okla.
Region: Midwest

Kansas wins if …

Mason, Josh Jackson, and Devonte’ Graham are part of a Kansas team that is as balanced as any team in the country. The Jayhawks can run and put up points in a hurry, but also play a stout defense that will bury a Spartans team that can struggle to score. The Spartans will not be able to keep up with this Jayhawks team for 40 minutes.

Michigan State wins if …

The Spartans don’t fall behind early and can slow down the game. Michigan State has always been a team that lives by making teams work for each and every point, and that will be crucial against a Kansas team that can put points on the board in a hurry. Play Michigan State defense to keep it close and who knows what could it happen.

Kansas vs. Michigan State Prediction

Michigan State does not have the firepower to hang with the Jayhawks, so the Spartans will need to keep it low scoring and a slow-paced game. While that might last for a half, Kansas is too explosive to be shut down for 40 minutes. The Jayhawks move on to the Sweet 16.

Kansas vs. Michigan State Score Prediction: Kansas 84, Michigan State 73

MORE: Complete NCAA Tournament Bracket, Previews, Predictions