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Michigan State Basketball: Staff score predictions at Nebraska

By Connor Muldowney

Jan 29, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State basketball will take on Nebraska Thursday night and here’s what the Spartan Avenue staff thinks the score will be.

It’s been one roller-coaster of a season for Michigan State basketball. The Spartans opened with a near-upset of No. 10 Arizona and then dropped games against Baylor, Duke and Kentucky. Looking to get back on track in Big Ten play following three straight defeats before a win against Michigan, Michigan State will hope to take down Nebraska in Lincoln on Thursday night.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: Game preview, prediction at Nebraska

Nick Ward is battling sickness, Tom Izzo stated how he sees the Cornhuskers are a tough opponent and the upperclassmen aren’t contributing how anyone would have hoped. This team plays poorly on the road, but today could change that. Will the Spartans step up and steal one from Nebraska at home?

Here’s how the Spartan Avenue staff sees the Michigan State vs Nebraska game playing out on Thursday.

Connor Muldowney: Despite recent road struggles, the young Spartans will get out to a comfortable lead in the first half and guys like Miles Bridges, Nick Ward and even Eron Harris will get into the fun. Michigan State will extend the lead to 10 at one point in the first half but Nebraska will come storming back late. This game will go down to the wire, but a late bucket by Cassius Winston will put the Spartans on top for good.

Final: Michigan State 71, Nebraska 70

Ryan McCumber: Michigan State has won only one true road game this year at Minnesota. The Spartans have struggled with their young team. Meanwhile, Nebraska was able to beat Purdue at home Sunday. The Spartans are coming off a big win against Michigan. Nick Ward has been battling the flu and Nebraska will be a tough game on the road. I expect Nebraska to win in a close game.

Final: Michigan State 63, Nebraska 65

Joe Clifford: Michigan State will look to build on a promising performance against Michigan when it takes on Nebraska. A big game from Miles Bridges and Eron Harris while Nebraska struggles from the 3-point line will lead to a slim Michigan State win.

Final: Michigan State 65, Nebraska 60

Related Story: MSU Basketball: 10 bold predictions for 2016-17 season

Adam Zdroik: I don’t like anything about this game. The hope is that Michigan State sees the three-straight losses and takes it personally to win. But with freshmen leading the way, I’m not sure that will be the case, especially with Nick Ward battling sickness. The Cornhuskers are a hard team to beat at home and I’m still not sold on the Spartans closing games. Missed free throws costs them.

Final: Michigan State 65, Nebraska 67

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