Michigan State bids to bolster NCAA resume in clash vs. Minnesota

(Photo credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports)

Michigan State has made the NCAA Tournament 25 consecutive times in which it has been played. It's not a sure thing the Spartans will extend that streak after they lost four of their last five regular-season games.

That's why their matchup with Minnesota in the Big Ten tournament at Minneapolis on Thursday afternoon carries added meaning. The victor will take on top-seed