Making it to three straight Final Fours is a special accomplishment. Tom Izzo and his Spartans should be very proud.

Think about how few programs have made it to three or more Final Fours! The great UCLA teams of the '60s and '70s went 10 straight times. Cincinnati (1959-63) and Duke (1988-92) went five straight years.

	Guard Charlie Bell has kept the Spartans steady all season.

Michigan State joins the following teams in making three consecutive trips to the Final Four: Kentucky (the most recent team to make three straight, 1996-98), North Carolina (1967-69), Houston (1982-84), Ohio State (twice, 1944-46 and 1960-62) and San Francisco (1955-57). That's pretty impressive company, baby!

The Spartans are gunning for a more select group. Only a handful of programs have defended their national championship. Oklahoma State, San Francisco, Cincinnati, UCLA and Duke have done it.

What is truly amazing is Michigan State's success without Mateen Cleaves and Morris Peterson. They were leaders on the national championship team and good enough to make NBA rosters. Most teams couldn't lose the likes of a Cleaves and Peterson and get back to the Final Four.

The beat goes on because of the winning mentality. It is contagious with guard Charlie Bell and forward Andre Hutson leading the way -- those two are flat-out winners.

Izzo has done an incredible job. He has kids who only know to win, win, win. They are players with a lot of guts, passion and determination. Michigan State finds ways to win. Look at the regional final against Temple; David Thomas, a senior, steps up with 19 big points.

This team has a nice blend of youth and experience. Diaper dandy Zach Randolph is a competitor inside; he grabbed 14 rebounds against the Owls. He is getting better and better with experience. Fellow diaper dandy Marcus Taylor contributes solid minutes off the bench.

The other key to the Spartans is rebounding. They are the best in the nation in that category. They aggressively pursue the ball, showing great fundamentals in boxing out. Michigan State is an amazing plus-74 on the glass in the first four NCAA Tournament games.

Izzo and company would love to add to the record book. So far, the road to the Final Four has been paved with teams seeded ninth or lower. The game against Arizona will be a true test. So far, Michigan State has received high grades.