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Michigan State Basketball: Game-by-game predictions for December

By Andrew Erdman

Nov 20, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talks to Michigan State Spartans guard Eron Harris (14) during the second half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talks to Michigan State Spartans guard Eron Harris (14) during the second half of a game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2016; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo speaks with guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) during the second half against the St. John’s Red Storm in the 2016 Battle 4 Atlantis in the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2016; Paradise Island, BAHAMAS; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo speaks with guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) during the second half against the St. John’s Red Storm in the 2016 Battle 4 Atlantis in the Imperial Arena at the Atlantis Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

The Spartans are finally back in East Lansing and will have time to do something they haven’t had very much time to do yet this season: practice. The couple days of practice before this game against Oral Roberts will give Tom Izzo time to correct the little things that need to be corrected. The Spartans need to work on rebounding and doing the famed war drill will help this team in that area.

Oral Roberts is 1-6 on the season and hasn’t really played a tough schedule like most mid-majors do. The toughest game it has played this season is against Baylor which it ultimately lost by 15. The Golden Eagles’ only win has come against a team called Rogers State (I have no idea where that school is located). If you feel so inclined to do a little scouting of the Golden Eagles, I didn’t know Eagles were Golden, take a look at last night’s film in their loss to Oakland.

Prediction: Michigan State will win this game by double digits (5-4)

The Spartans will be coming off a win against Oral Roberts and will have some confidence heading into this matchup with the Penguins — yes, that’s really their mascot.

One guy to keep and eye on for the Penguins is Cameron Morse. The Junior guard from Flint is averaging 23 points per game this season, including scoring 40 against Toledo. Slowing him down will be key for Michigan State. I think this team could give Michigan State problems. They are a high scoring team averaging 81 points per game. Michigan State will need to keep them in the 60s and be able to rebound the ball well.

Prediction: I think Nick Ward will have a big game to lead the Spartans past the upset minded Penguins of Youngstown State (6-4)

Fun Fact: Old friend Bo Pelini is the head football coach at Youngstown State.

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