Michigan State vs. Louisville: 5 Bold Predictions for Elite Eight Matchup

The Michigan State Spartans are on a Cinderella run for the ages at the moment as this team that wasn’t even a lock to get in the NCAA Tournament a month and a half ago is playing for a chance to reach the Final Four.

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Tom Izzo has done a spectacular job with this team and there’s a reason why he’s widely regarded as a top-three college hoops basketball coach. Winning his 45th career tourney game on Friday night against a tough Oklahoma team was just what Izzo needed to believe this team has what it takes to make it all the way to Indianapolis — or “In the Annapolis” as Charles Barkley would say.

Louisville, led by Rick Pitino, isn’t a team that will just roll over at the first site of competition, however, as MSU will need to bring its all to beat the Cardinals in an elite matchup in the East Regional Final.

Both teams have the talent to make it to the national title game, but only one will get a shot after Sunday afternoon’s game.

Let’s take a look at five bold predictions for this exciting matchup.

5. Branden Dawson Records a Double-Double

Mar 27, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard/forward Branden Dawson (22) handles the ball against Oklahoma Sooners forward TaShawn Thomas (35) during the second half in the semifinals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Okay, so this isn’t the boldest of predictions seeing as the senior forward averaged a double-double during the regular season, but he has to come on more in the tourney for the Spartans to survive and advance.

Look out for Dawson to rise up and grab 13 boards and make some close range hooks and jumpers to add to his point total, finishing with 22 points. This will be one of his best career performances as he sees that his career is coming to an end and he would rather have that end come in April than in March.

Dawson will throw in three blocks to round out his stat line.

4. Montrezl Harrell Counters With Double-Double of His Own

Yet another prediction that won’t be too hard for a guy like Harrell. Montrezl is one of the most athletic players in all of college basketball and he will also rise for 12 boards and dominate the post for 19 points.

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The Spartans will have a tough time putting a body on Harrell without fouling him. I wouldn’t be surprised if seven of his 19 points came from the foul line.

The back-and-forth play between Harrell and Dawson will be something to behold.

3. Terry Rozier Will Struggle Early

Terry Rozier is one of the best point guards in the entire nation, but the strong defense of Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn will stifle the sophomore phenom. Louisville’s front man hasn’t faced a defender like Nairn yet this season as he loves to wear down an opponent and his energy level seems to never decrease throughout a game.

However, don’t be surprised if Rozier comes back and scores 13 second half points, including two three-pointers, to make the game quite interesting in the final minutes.

Some late free throws will put the young point guard at the center of attention as well as his experience will be put to the test in a late-game situation.

2. Travis Trice Scores 30

Mar 27, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Travis Trice (20) handles the ball against Oklahoma Sooners guard Buddy Hield (24) during the second half in the semifinals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

I’m not sure it could get any more fitting than this. In a game that could potentially be his last, Travis Trice unloads for 31 points on six three-pointers, earning a spot in Spartan history by becoming that player on this 2014-15 team that leads them on a deep tourney run.

He is averaging 20.7 points already in the 2015 NCAA Tournament and it’s only a matter of time before he breaks free for a career performance — and why not on the biggest stage?

The little guy with the big heart will break Louisville’s as he records 31 points and knocks down four clutch free throws at the end of the game once again. This kid rises to the occasion often and he could be this year’s Shabazz Napier.

1. Denzel Valentine Hits Late Three to Go Ahead for Good

Think back to the last time Michigan State needed a big three to beat a team late in the game. Yes, you were right, it was Denzel Valentine against the Ohio State Buckeyes on Valentine’s Day — perfect headline material.

This time the junior will do it on the biggest stage of his career, downing a crucial three with the slight flick of the wrist over a Louisville defender to put the Spartans up three with under a minute left.

Michigan State won’t look back as Louisville will miss its next basket, giving MSU the ball with 45 seconds left and free throws looming. Valentine and Trice will close the game out once again, as they do quite often, with those makes from the charity stripe and the game will be one for the ages.

I can already hear legendary MSU basketball radio broadcaster Will Tieman screaming, “Denzel with the three… HE GOT IT.”