SETH DAVIS'S Three-Pointer

Michigan State is going to be fine. The Spartans got waxed by Syracuse and only beat Oakland by one, but they often get off to shaky starts because no coach consistently plays a more grueling schedule than Tom Izzo. Point guard Kalin Lucas & Co. will be in top form by March... . Kansas State is the second-worst free throw shooting team in the nation, at 54.3% through Sunday. If that doesn't improve dramatically, the Wildcats have no shot at the Final Four... . Josh Selby, Kansas's ballyhooed freshman point guard, becomes eligible on Saturday against USC after missing the first nine games for receiving improper benefits. Expect that it will take a few games (and maybe a few losses) before he jells with the Jayhawks.

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LOU CAPOZZOLA (LUCAS)