The Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team, representing Michigan State University, holds a storied legacy in college basketball. Competing fiercely in the Big Ten Conference of NCAA Division I, the Spartans have etched their mark with two NCAA championships and an impressive 16 Big Ten Championships tally. Their home ground, the Jack Breslin Student Events Center in East Lansing, Michigan, resonates with the echoes of their triumphs. Under the seasoned leadership of Coach Tom Izzo since 1995, the Spartans have consistently showcased resilience and skill on the court, becoming a force to be reckoned with in collegiate basketball circles.
Pre-tournament Helms Champions
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Michigan State NCAA Tournament Champions
In the annals of college basketball history, the Michigan State Spartans stand tall as two-time NCAA champions, etching their name among the elite with triumphs in the 1979 and 2000 tournaments. The 1979 championship, a monumental clash against Indiana State, witnessed the brilliance of Magic Johnson and the prowess of a team destined for greatness.
NCAA Tournament Runner-Up
In 2009, the Michigan State Spartans finished as runners-up in the NCAA tournament, showcasing their competitive prowess on the national stage.
Michigan State NCAA Tournament history and appearances
With an illustrious record spanning 36 NCAA tournaments, the Spartans' legacy of excellence reverberates through the hallowed halls of college basketball. Boasting an impressive streak of 25 consecutive tournament appearances, the team's commitment to excellence remains unrivaled, embodying the spirit of perseverance and dedication.
NCAA Tournament round of 32 appearances
In the NCAA Tournament's Round of 32, the Michigan State Spartans have showcased their resilience and competitive spirit across multiple seasons. Here's a breakdown of their appearances in the second round and the corresponding results:
| Year | Result |
| 1979 | W 87–71 |
| 1998 | W 63–56 |
| 1999 | W 74–66 |
| 2000 | W 73–61 |
| 2001 | W 81–65 |
| 2003 | W 68–46 |
| 2005 | W 72–61 |
| 2009 | W 74–69 |
| 2010 | W 85–83 |
| 2013 | W 70–48 |
| 2014 | W 80–73 |
| 2015 | W 60–54 |
| 2019 | W 70–50 |
| 2023 | W 69–60 |
NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen appearances
The Michigan State Spartans' illustrious journey in the NCAA Tournament has led them to the coveted Sweet Sixteen stage on numerous occasions. Out of 34 NCAA tournament appearances, the Spartans have reached the Sweet Sixteen an impressive 20 times. Here's a detailed overview of their Sweet Sixteen appearances:
| Year | Result |
| 1957 | L 70–74 3OT |
| 1959 | L 81–88 |
| 1979 | W 80–68 |
| 1986 | L 86–96 OT |
| 1990 | L 80–81 OT |
| 2000 | W 75–58 |
| 2001 | W 77–62 |
| 2003 | W 60–58 |
| 2005 | W 78–68 |
| 2009 | W 67–62 |
| 2010 | W 59–52 |
| 2013 | L 61–71 |
| 2015 | W 62–58 |
| 2019 | W 80–63 |
| 2023 | L 93–98 OT |
NCAA Tournament Elite Eight appearances
The Michigan State Spartans' remarkable journey in the NCAA Tournament has propelled them to the prestigious Elite Eight stage on numerous occasions. Out of 34 NCAA tournament appearances, the Spartans have reached the Elite Eight an impressive 14 times. Here's a detailed overview of their Elite Eight appearances:
| Year | Result |
| 1957 | L 60–67 |
| 1979 | W 101–67 |
| 1999 | W 73–66 |
| 2000 | W 75–64 |
| 2001 | W 69–62 |
| 2003 | L 76–85 |
| 2005 | W 94–88 2OT |
| 2009 | W 64–52 |
| 2010 | W 70–69 |
| 2013 | W 70–48 |
| 2014 | L 54–60 |
| 2015 | W 76–70 OT |
| 2019 | W 68–67 |
| 2023 | L 93–98 OT |
NCAA Tournament Final Four appearances
The Michigan State Spartans' storied journey in the NCAA Tournament has propelled them to the prestigious Final Four stage on multiple occasions. Out of 34 NCAA tournament appearances, the Spartans have reached the Final Four an impressive 10 times. Here's a detailed overview of their Final Four appearances:
| Year | Result |
| 1957 | L 70–74 |
| 1979 | L 60–67 |
| 1999 | L 62–68 |
| 2000 | W 75–64 |
| 2001 | L 61–80 |
| 2005 | L 71–87 |
| 2009 | W 82–73 |
| 2010 | L 50–52 |
| 2015 | L 61–81 |
| 2019 | L 51–61 |
Michigan State Conference Tournament Champions
Michigan State boasts an impressive record in the Big Ten tournament, clinching six championships since its establishment in 1998, the most in the conference. The Spartans have reached the championship game seven times, with their only loss occurring in 2015 to Wisconsin. Moreover, Michigan State has consistently advanced to the quarterfinals until 2021.
| Season | Opponent | Score |
| 1998–99 | No. 11 Illinois | 67–50 |
| 1999–2000 | No. 4 Illinois | 76–61 |
| 2011–12 | No. 3 Ohio State | 68–64 |
| 2013–14 | No. 1 Michigan | 69–55 |
| 2015–16 | No. 4 Purdue | 66–62 |
| 2018–19 | No. 3 Michigan | 65–60 |
Michigan State Conference Regular Season Champions
Michigan State has claimed the title of Big Ten regular-season champions on 16 occasions, marking a significant achievement in conference history and reflecting the team's consistent excellence.
| Season | Overall record | Big Ten record |
| 1956–57 | 16–10 | 10–4 |
| 1958–59 | 19–4 | 13–3 |
| 1966–67 | 16–7 | 10–4 |
| 1977–78 | 25–5 | 15–3 |
| 1978–79 | 26–6 | 13–5 |
| 1989–90 | 28–6 | 15–3 |
| 1997–98 | 22–8 | 13–3 |
| 1998–99 | 33–5 | 15–1 |
| 1999–2000 | 32–7 | 13–3 |
| 2000–01 | 28–5 | 13–3 |
| 2008–09 | 31–7 | 15–3 |
| 2009–10 | 28–9 | 14–4 |
| 2011–12 | 29–8 | 13–5 |
| 2017–18 | 30–5 | 16–2 |
| 2018–19 | 32–7 | 16–4 |
| 2019–20 | 22–9 | 14–6 |
Michigan State Conference Division Season Champions
The Michigan State Spartans men's basketball team has clinched 16 Big Ten Regular Season Championships and six conference tournament titles. Their latest Big Ten regular-season triumphs occurred in 2018, 2019, and 2020, underscoring their consistent dominance within the conference.
FAQ's On Michigan State College March Madness Playoff History
A. The Michigan State Spartans have won two NCAA championships, in 1979 and 2000.
A. The Spartans have clinched the Big Ten regular-season title 16 times throughout their history.
A. Michigan State has made 34 appearances in the NCAA Tournament, reaching the Final Four 10 times.
A. The Spartans have reached the Elite Eight stage 14 times in their NCAA Tournament history.
A. Michigan State has won the Big Ten Conference Tournament six times since its inception in 1998, holding the most championships in the conference.
