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Michigan State Basketball: Preview, prediction vs. Penn State

By Connor Muldowney

Jan 7, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) dribbles past Penn State Nittany Lions guard Terrence Samuel (5) during the first half at Palestra. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2017; University Park, PA, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Lourawls Nairn Jr. (11) dribbles past Penn State Nittany Lions guard Terrence Samuel (5) during the first half at Palestra. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State basketball is facing a crucial second-round matchup with Penn State in the Big Ten Tournament on Thursday.

Michigan State basketball may be just one win away from clinching a spot in the NCAA Tournament’s field of 68 and putting an end to any doubt the fan base and coaching staff has had about making the Big Dance. It’s not going to be easy against a Penn State team that’s already beaten the Spartans once this year.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for Big Ten Tournament

The Nittany Lions are coming off a nice overtime win over Nebraska on Wednesday, looking to carry over the solid play into Thursday’s second-round matchup. Both teams are young and hungry, but one has much more on the line: Michigan State. Can the Spartans exact revenge?

Here’s how you can watch Thursday’s Michigan State basketball game:

Date: Thursday, March 9
Start Time: 2:30 p.m. ET (or about a half hour after Game 1)
Location: Washington D.C.
Venue: Verizon Center
TV: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: BTN2Go

Keys to Victory

Keeping Tony Carr and Mike Watkins from dominating like they did in the first contest will be key. While Shep Garner, Payton Banks and Lamar Stevens are all dangerous as well, the two aforementioned freshman bigs will need to be shut down. Michigan State needs defense like it had against Ethan Happ and Nigel Hayes of Wisconsin.

Get Nick Ward the ball. If there’s anyone on this team hungry to prove people wrong, it’s Ward. He was just snubbed from the Big Ten’s All-Freshman team and he wants to prove to opposing coaches that he belonged on the list. If he can stay out of foul trouble (that’s a big “if”) and cause problems for Watkins and Carr, the Spartans’ offense will flow nicely.

Fun Facts

  • Before the loss to Penn State earlier this season at the Palestra, the Spartans had beaten the Nittany Lions eight consecutive times.
  • Michigan State has made it to the Big Ten Tournament finals in three straight seasons.
  • The Spartans haven’t missed the semifinals of the conference tourney since March 2010 — they went to the Final Four that season.
  • Penn State hasn’t advanced past the quarterfinals since March of 2011.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Michigan State -6
Over/Under: 138

Related Story: MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for March

Prediction

Michigan State needs this win more than anyone really wants to admit. The Spartans are on the bubble whether media pundits or fans want to realize that or not, but beat Penn State and they’re in without hesitation. Fortunately, the players will begin to compete as if their season is on the line and a sense of urgency will finally ensue. It’s been a while since Michigan State played well under the pressure of one-and-done and these freshmen are about to grow up fast. Expect a big game from Miles Bridges and Cassius Winston.

Final: Penn State 66, Michigan State 69

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