“I’m not going to lie, I wanted to cry a little bit,” junior forward Lauren Hill said. “I got emotional, but I had big-time butterflies before. I kind of expected it too, though. I wasn’t too nervous.”

The Spartans (13-6-3) all watched their fate on the big-screen television in the women’s basketball video room late Monday evening. And as soon as the Green and White popped up onto ESPNEWS, a loud celebration arose.

“I think I was more nervous than they were,” MSU head coach Tom Saxton said. “They felt so good about their season that they felt confident. I was just relieved for them because I think they put together such a great season and to see them have to sit on the sidelines would have been a little bit disappointing, so they can be very proud of what they did this season. We’ve talked about focusing on the process and the awards will come and this is a reward. We’re excited.”

Freshman forward Laura Heyboer said seeing MSU’s name on the list of 64 teams was absolutely the best feeling of the season.

“It brings a whole new load of excitement to this season and to this team,” Heyboer said. “I think everybody is going to be real excited for practice tomorrow.”

If the Spartans knock off the Panthers, they will take on the winner of the Notre Dame-Toledo contest, potentially playing the undefeated Fighting Irish (21-0-0) in South Bend on Sunday.

Although tough challenges lie ahead, MSU can’t help but crave the chance to show what it’s made of. All overall records aside, they know it comes down to playing one game at a time, a motto echoed throughout the team’s practices, games and team meetings all year long.

“It’s exciting and yes, they’re a great team,” Hill said. “They’re undefeated but there’s nothing wrong with Michigan State knocking them off. It’ll be a good and a big-time upset if we get there.”