The Cyclones are dancing again, this time against the Michigan State in the Mercado region.
We are Dancing again!#Cyclones
— Cyclone Basketball (@CycloneWBB) March 15, 2021
️ ️ pic.twitter.com/M9h0Wj1D1U
2021 NCAA Selection Show Second-Screen Live Reaction https://t.co/naPD2d5vqC
— Cyclone Basketball (@CycloneWBB) March 15, 2021
(skip to 24:15 to see the team’s reaction to the announcement of their seed and matchup)
The Michigan State Spartans (15-8, and 8-7 Big Ten Conference) won nine of their 13 home games this season, including one over Lisa Bluder’s Iowa squad.
This will be the sixth Iowa State vs. Michigan State game, the Spartans hold the series lead at 3-2. Notably, Iowa State won the last game in the series 69-68 on March 28, 2009 in the Sweet Sixteen.
Top Performer
Junior guard Nia Clouden averages 18.8 points per game for the Spartans in an average of 33.1 minutes per game.
Michigan State is coached by Suzy Merchant.
Merchant has been at the helm of the Spartans since April 30, 2007. She has led the Spartans to a 265-134 record, in addition to a 147-91 record at Eastern Michigan (1998 to 2007) and a 54-29 record at Saginaw Valley State University (1995 to 1998).
Best games for Michigan State: Maryland, Northwestern, Michigan and Iowa.
Michigan State lost 93-87 to then No. 12 Maryland on Jan. 7, lost 63-60 to No. 22/20 Northwestern on Feb. 7 and lost 86-82 at No. 11/12 Michigan on on Feb. 16.
Early in the season, on Dec. 12, 2020, the Spartans beat Iowa 86-82. Caitlin Clark led the Hawkeyes with 35 points and Alyza Winston led the Spartans with 25 points (11.1 ppg).
The Cyclones will play at 5 p.m. Ames time, March 22 on ESPN.
Jared is the Sports Editor at The News-Review down in Sigourney, you can follow them on Twitter @Jar_Lar.