Payne, who led off the Big Dance with 41 points and an NCAA-record performance from the free-throw line on Thursday, is the heart and soul of the Spartan attack. His versatility—the 6’10” forward shoots 44 percent from three—gives Michigan State a number of different offensive options. It not only clears space for Dawson to operate inside, but it also spaces the floor for Appling and Harris to drive (and sometimes kick to a waiting Payne).

Although Amaker may choose to match up the bulkier Moundou-Missi against Payne, Casey is the cornerstone of the team’s defense. A rangy, athletic defender, Casey struggles with foul trouble but is a dominant shot-blocker who moves his feet well. On the offensive end, he has the range to step out and shoot from the perimeter, but is also a vicious slasher and transition trailer—as evidenced by his single-handed destruction of the rim against Cincinnati.

Casey’s ability to stay in the game and limit Payne’s contributions on the offensive end will be key to the Crimson’s upset chances. To win, Harvard will need Casey to be at his best, which means a solid last line of defense with an aggressive offensive mindset.

Bench:

Michigan State has a deep bench, anchored by three-point threats Travis Trice and Kenny Kaminski. Trice had 19 points against Delaware in the Tournament’s second round, flying off screens and showing an improved handle. Because of the amount of injuries the squad faced all year, Izzo trusts his bench. On the other side, Amaker has once again gone to an eight-man rotation, cutting out rookie Zena Edosomwan, and sticking with his starters, co-captain Brandyn Curry, junior Jonah Travis, and sophomore Evan Cummins. Travis and Cummins give much-needed frontcourt depth, while Curry provides another ball handler and ace three-point shooter to spot Chambers in key moments.

—Staff writer David Freed can be reached at david.freed@thecrimson.com.