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Michigan State Basketball: Staff score predictions vs. Wisconsin

By Connor Muldowney

Feb 23, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Joshua Langford (1) brings the ball up court during the second half of a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Joshua Langford (1) brings the ball up court during the second half of a game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State basketball will be hosting Wisconsin on Sunday evening and here’s what the staff believes the score will be.

Wisconsin is coming to town Sunday evening, looking to win in East Lansing for the first time since 2004. Michigan State has won 10 straight home meetings between the two teams but the Badgers hold the clear advantage this season.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for month of February

Can the Spartan crowd pose serious problems for the Badgers on Senior Day? There’s something about playing at the Breslin Center that rattles Wisconsin players and Tom Izzo and Co. hopes that continues on Sunday.

Let’s take a look at the final score predictions from the Spartan Avenue staff.

Connor Muldowney: Ethan Happ could cause some major problems for the Spartans on Senior Day and he is going to put up a double-double in the post despite Nick Ward’s decent game. However, the major difference will be turnovers. Michigan State wants to send Alvin Ellis III, Eron Harris and Matt Van Dyk out on a high note, but will the former be able to help himself? The game will come down to the wire, but Wisconsin wins for the first time in East Lansing since 2004.

Final: Wisconsin 67, Michigan State 64

Ryan McCumber: Michigan State had a big game out of Josh Langford on Thursday against Nebraska. The Spartans are likely going to need another big game from him again to beat Wisconsin at home. Wisconsin has been struggling lately, and recently got blown out by Ohio State. The problem for the Spartans is finding out who can stop, or at least slow down, Wisconsin star Ethan Happ in the post. What would likely help with that would be double-teaming him. However, that opens up more for Bronson Koenig and Nigel Hayes. The Spartans lose to Wisconsin for the first time at home since 2004.

Final: Wisconsin 65, Michigan State 62

Stephen Robb: Wisconsin is a good team but has struggled recently. A week ago I doubted MSU could get this win but after the win against Nebraska the Spartans might be able to pull this one off.

Final: Wisconsin 67, Michigan State 73

Adam Zdroik: To put it simply, MSU has to match what Michigan did to Purdue yesterday. Otherwise, the Spartans are back on the bubble and in need of at least one road win in a tough arena. The Badgers aren’t playing well and that leaves an open hole for success. Alvin Ellis proves to be the difference as long as Cassius Winston and Tum Tum Nairn can handle whatever Bronson Koenig throws at them. And can Nigel Hayes guard Bridges? Doubtful…

Final: Wisconsin 61, Michigan State 66

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Joe Clifford: Michigan State will look to upset Wisconsin at home on Senior Day. With big games from Miles Bridges and Alvin Ellis, Michigan State will send the seniors off with a win, and make a huge statement regarding its NCAA Tournament hopes.

Final: Wisconsin 65, Michigan State 70

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