CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Michigan State, always dangerous when spring gets close, is headed for a warmer climate as the No. 7 seed in the East Regional of the NCAA Tournament.

The Spartans (23-11), who led Wisconsin most of the way Sunday before falling in the Big Ten title game in overtime, take on 10th-seeded Georgia (21-11) on Friday at Time Warner Cable Arena in Charlotte.

Coach Tom Izzo’s team qualified for the tournament for the 18th year in a row, tying a Big Ten record (Indiana, 1986-2003). Only Kansas (26) and Duke (20) have longer active streaks.

The Bulldogs lost to Arkansas in the Southeastern Conference semifinals.

The winner advances to meet the winner of second-seeded Virginia and No. 15 Belmont. The Spartans knocked out the Cavaliers in last year’s Sweet 16.