Winning is not easy in March. The Spartans must be cognizant of what’s ahead, because from here on, the difficulty and stakes only intensify.

MSU advanced to the second round at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York, on Saturday, March 21, where it will face No. 6 seed Louisville.

There was hardly a question against the Bison. From the tip, it was MSU’s game — the Spartans were faster, stronger, more physical and played with the kind of teamwork teams need this time of year. On defense, MSU collapsed the paint, forcing NDSU into uncomfortable shots — some heavily contested, others taken from unusual spots on the court.

The lack of Bison baskets correlated to MSU defensive rebounds and thus a fast-paced, transition-like offense that NDSU couldn’t keep up with. On a majority of their possessions, the Spartans ran coast-to-coast in a quick sprint. If the Bison were slow and fell behind, a lob would be thrown and the MSU basket would be converted. If the Bison weren’t slow and recovered, MSU decelerated to run its offense, where it would either penetrate the post or find an open man on the wing.

“Our fast break starts with our defense,” MSU head coach Tom Izzo said. “That's what people don't realize. When you defend well, teams don't get into the paint as much, and when they don’t get into the paint, our cutouts are easier. I could care less if we run any plays. I'd like to just get our fast break going and make that the biggest part of our offense.”

With NDSU in the rearview mirror, MSU faces tougher competition moving forward, beginning with Louisville. The Cardinals are coming off an 83-79 first-round victory over No. 11 South Florida. Louisville (24-10, 11-7 ACC) is a deep team that relies on making shots to win. When those shots don’t fall, the Cardinals can become unpredictable, displaying an inconsistent style that makes them beatable.

In its victory against USF, Louisville was consistent. It converted its shots and ran an offense that the Bulls had trouble defending. The Cardinals were quicker and shot well, even when contested, and displayed more talent. With a bit of help by USF, Louisville’s defense was consistent, too. While aided by USF missing shots, the Cardinals closed out well and dominated when defending the perimeter, holding the Bulls to 30-for-77 from the field. 

If MSU desires back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances, the Spartan defense must outperform that of USF Thursday, and so will its offense. 

“To win consistently, you have to come in, day in, night out, and play in different arenas and domes,” Izzo said. “You better bring your lunch bucket, and you better bring your defense and your rebounding, and that's what we've done most of my career.”

No. 1 seed Duke remains in the East Region after a tight victory over Siena, while No. 2 Connecticut, No. 4 Kansas, No. 5 St. John’s, No. 7 UCLA and any potential Cinderella team emerging from the region still pose real threats to MSU. For the Spartans to be successful — not just against Louisville, but deeper into the tournament — maintaining the balance they showed Thursday of fast-paced play, teamwork and defense will be crucial. It’s why MSU will be in Buffalo for another night.

“We got a bunch of guys that, in the last couple of years, have just hung together and worked together,” Izzo said. “If we play desperate on Saturday against Louisville, I’ll be happy.”

32 teams will be eliminated by Friday night. MSU will not be one of them. On Saturday, March 21, at a time to be announced, the Spartans will look to leave Buffalo for Washington D.C. and the Sweet 16.