Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images. Pictured: BYU forward Matt Haarms (3) and guard Alex Barcello (13)
#6 BYU vs. #11 Michigan State/UCLA Odds
| Spread | TBA | |
| Total | TBA | |
| ML | TBA | |
| Time | TBA | |
| TV | TBA | |
| Odds will be added once they’re released. | ||
How BYU & Michigan State Match Up
| BYU | vs. | Michigan St. |
| 199 | Tempo | 166 |
| 21 | eFG% | 266 |
| 177 | TO% | 169 |
| 149 | OR% | 95 |
| 273 | FTR | 175 |
| 36 | DeFG% | 71 |
| 322 | DTO% | 330 |
| 22 | DR% | 98 |
| 126 | DFTR | 294 |
| All stats via KenPom. | ||
How BYU & UCLA Match Up
| BYU | vs. | UCLA |
| 199 | Tempo | 332 |
| 21 | eFG% | 83 |
| 177 | TO% | 62 |
| 149 | OR% | 84 |
| 273 | FTR | 152 |
| 36 | DeFG% | 198 |
| 322 | DTO% | 254 |
| 22 | DR% | 37 |
| 126 | DFTR | 91 |
| All stats via KenPom. | ||
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What To Know About BYU
First off, BYU can really shoot, as the Cougars led the WCC at 39.8% from beyond the 3-point arc. The Cougars defense has actually improved, ranking 25th in adjusted defensive efficiency while holding opponents to just 45.2% from inside the arc. It helps to have a tree protecting the rim whether it’s 7’3 Matt Haarms or 6’11 Richard Harward in the game. So while the Cougars don’t turn opponents over often (they rank outside of the top 300 in steal rate) they rank inside the top-25 in interior defense from a shooting percentage and rebound perspective. All of the advanced metrics (adjusted for opponent ) back up BYU being a legitimate top-25 team, so don’t be fooled by their lack of competition in conference. This team has enough experience, shooting and length to make a decent run in the tournament. The one concern would be the perimeter defense against elite guards, especially in pick and roll. — Collin Wilson
What To Know About Michigan State
The Spartans’ late stretch of quadrant 1 victories against Illinois, Ohio State and Michigan were enough to earn Tom Izzo another trip to the dance. Michigan State would be a tough draw for a team that relies on 3-point shooting: The Spartans are 56th in 3-point defense, but struggle to generate takeaways.
A rank of 37th in defensive blocks highlights a roster that is top-35 in average height. The issues for the Spartans are terrible ranks in defensive turnovers and free throw rate. Any potential opponent of Michigan State will have the advantage with solid ball security and a high rate of getting to the charity stripe. The defensive metrics are trending upward for Sparty, but the offense still seems to be a complete work in progress. Rocket Watts and Joey Hauser both have had disappointing seasons but flashed some signs of life late in the year. If they can capture that form for a game or two in the tournament, Micigan State could make a Sweet 16 run, but that’s probably the realistic ceiling. — Collin Wilson
What To Know About UCLA
UCLA snuck into the NCAA Tournament on the back of a very efficient offense that ranks 24th in the country, according to KenPom. The Bruins slow the game down and look for the best shot, as evidence of their 335th-ranked tempo. They rank inside the top 50 in 3-point-shooting percentage this season, a rate that would be even better if guard Chris Smith didn’t tear his ACL in a New Year’s Eve game against Utah. The Bruins are fortunate to have gotten into the tournament, having lost their final four games of the season. They might not be a pick to make a run in the Big Dance. — Matt Trebby