MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

Record: 20- 4 (7- 4 in Big Ten) AP Ranking/ RPI: 8/ 16 Best win: 79-73 over then- No. 4 Kansas Worst loss: 72-71 at home to Nebraska Best player: Senior wing Denzel Valentine, who has made 44 percent of his 3- point attempts and 83 percent of his free throws while collecting an average of 7.9 rebounds per game and a teambest 18.6 points. He’s also the only Spartan to play more than 27 minutes a game, which says all you need to know about what Michigan State coach Tom Izzo thinks of him.

Biggest weakness: It’s picky, but State turns the ball over an average of three more times per game — 12.3 to 9.3 — than its opponents. A matchup against an aggressive defensive team such as Duke, Kansas or Xavier could potentially cause problems for the Spartans.

Can be hoopin’ in Houston if: Whatever caused this team to lose three straight in January — a stretch that included a stunning home loss to Nebraska — doesn’t return in March. The Spartans have talent, experience, depth and a coach who has been to seven previous Final Fours, including last season’s surprising run. It’s still February, but Sparty appears to be on a slow peak to hit his apex in late March.

Coachspeak: “Michigan State beat us in every facet. Once (Denzel) Valentine gets back in and gets some minutes, that is a scary team. They do exactly what Coach Izzo wants them to do. That is a big-time team right there.” — Penn State coach Patrick Chambers after a 92- 65 home loss to the Spartans with State’s Valentine in street clothes because of injury.