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Final Four Game Thread: Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Michigan State Spartans

By Ryan O'Bleness
NCAA Basketball: Final Four-Practice Day Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

It’s time! The Michigan State Spartans have returned to the Final Four for the 10th time in school history, while the Texas Tech Red Raiders have made it for the first time in program history.

In case you live under a rock, tip off is scheduled for 8:49 p.m. at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. The game is broadcast on CBS following the Auburn versus Virginia matchup.

If you really think Texas Tech is satisfied with just making it to the national semifinals, you’ve got another thing coming. This team is not only tough and considered to have the best team in the country, but they are hungry. Chris Beard will have his guys prepared and ready. No doubt about that.

But the Red Raiders are running into a buzzsaw. Michigan State is playing better than just about any team in the country right now, and not only are the Spartans a top-tier defense in their own right (ninth in KenPom’s adjusted defensive efficiency rankings), the squad is also one of the best offensive teams in the NCAA (fifth in KenPom’s adjusted offensive efficiency rankings).

I’m not going to get into much detail here. All I’m going to say is I expect an old-fashioned backyard brawl on the basketball court: the team that is tougher both physical and mentally will win this contest. We’ve written and read articles and comments all week long, dissecting this matchup from the inside out. I’m down talking. I’m ready to watch.

Also, if you weren’t ready to run through a brick wall for tonight’s matchup just yet, please watch these hype videos below:

GO GREEN!

It’s been an absolutely loaded week of content here at The Only Colors:

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