Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Basketball: Preview, prediction, stream vs. Minnesota

By Connor Muldowney

Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Joshua Langford (1) shoots the ball over Penn State Nittany Lions forward Lamar Stevens (11) in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. The Spartans won 78-51. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Joshua Langford (1) shoots the ball over Penn State Nittany Lions forward Lamar Stevens (11) in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. The Spartans won 78-51. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Michigan State basketball faces a tough test to get to the semifinals on Saturday and here’s everything you need to know for the Minnesota matchup.

Beating a team three times in one season is tough to do. However, Michigan State basketball will be tasked with that on Friday as it faces Minnesota yet again. The Spartans won the first matchup (Big Ten opener) by one point in overtime and then blew the Golden Gophers out a few weeks later in East Lansing.

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

Minnesota’s Nate Mason was named an All-Big Ten first-team member and he’s going to be a load to handle for Cassius Winston and Tum Tum Nairn. The point guard is averaging 15.5 points and 5.1 assists per game while the Golden Gophers also have some size — athletic size, at that.

How will the Spartans handle this third matchup with Minnesota? The Golden Gophers have been on fire lately, but Michigan State has handled them before.

Here’s how you can watch Friday’s quarterfinal matchup with Minnesota:

Date: Friday, March 10
Start Time: Approx. 2:30 p.m. ET
Location: Washington D.C.
Venue: Verizon Center
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to Victory

Offensively, there are two things that need to happen in order for Michigan State to advance to the semifinals. First, the Spartans need to have a strong assist-to-turnover ratio. On Thursday, they had 19 assists to 13 turnovers which is right where they should be (maybe cut the turnovers a bit). Second, get Josh Langford involved early again. He needs to be taking at least 10 shots per game — he’s the x-factor moving forward.

On the defensive side of things, forcing turnovers had been an issue before the Penn State game and Michigan State got out in the fast break because of it. Aggressive, but not over-aggressive, defense will lead to another impressive showing in the Big Ten Tournament.

Fun Facts

  • Michigan State has won 14 of the last 17 meetings with Minnesota dating back to 2009.
  • The last time Michigan State beat Minnesota three times in a season was 2009 and that team went on to play in the National Championship vs. North Carolina.
  • The Spartans have advanced to the semifinals in six straight seasons.
  • The last time Michigan State didn’t advance past the quarterfinals was 2010 and the team that beat the Spartans was, in fact, Minnesota.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Minnesota -1
Over/Under: 138

Related Story: MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for March

Prediction

Needing another win in the Big Ten Tournament to maybe get up to the No. 9 seed line, Michigan State will play with a chip on its shoulder once again Friday. However, it’s tough to beat any team three times in a single season, let alone one that has been on fire lately like Minnesota. Nate Mason will have a big game and the duo of Miles Bridges and Nick Ward will show up, but they can’t make up for poor performances from Alvin Ellis III, Kenny Goins and Matt McQuaid.

Final: Michigan State 71, Minnesota 78

Home/Spartans Basketball