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Michigan State Basketball: Game preview, prediction vs. Iowa

By Connor Muldowney

Jan 29, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans huddle up prior to 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 huddle up prior to 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 hosts the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday evening and here’s everything you need to know for the matchup.

Tom Izzo has reiterated that he believes this Michigan State basketball team can make some noise in the NCAA Tournament. While the Spartans are still a few big wins away from March Madness, it’s not farfetched to say that this team has Final Four potential, but it needs to come together immediately.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for February

For the casual Michigan State fan, the Spartans might look like a mediocre team and arguably one of the worst under Izzo. However, for those who have followed the Spartans over the past few months, you’d realize they’re young and talented, but the lack of post play has killed them.

Saturday afternoon’s game against an Iowa team that is also looking to sneak into the tourney field next month. The Hawkeyes, too, are young and far from reaching their potential.

The Spartans are coming off their worst win of the season and Saturday’s game is a perfect opportunity to gain some momentum.

Here’s how you can watch the game:

Date: Saturday, Feb. 11
Start Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, MI
Venue: Breslin Center
TV: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: BTN2Go

Keys to Victory

Feed Nick Ward. While Miles Bridges has been the primary weapon for the Spartans in recent games, Ward needs to get the ball early and often to bully the Iowa bigs. Getting those guys into foul trouble will be key and he could have a monster game if the guards feed him the ball in the post.

Michigan State needs to actually play defense against the Hawkeyes unlike it did against Michigan on Tuesday night. The Spartans need to make sure to hold Peter Jok in check as he’s one of the Big Ten’s most explosive offensive threats. If the Spartans can hold him to 10-15 points, they should be in good shape.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Michigan State -7

Related Story: MSU Recruiting: 5-star 2019 SF Keion Brooks favoring MSU?

Prediction

While Iowa is a team that can’t be overlooked, you can bet Tom Izzo didn’t forget last year’s two-game sweep the Hawkeyes pulled off on the Spartans. Michigan State is going to come out aggressive against Iowa and Jok will be held in check early on. He’s going to get his buckets like he always does, but the Spartans will have the last laugh. Bridges and Ward will combine for 35 points and 17 rebounds.

Final: Iowa 61, Michigan State 69

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