Michigan State Basketball: Staff score predictions vs. Miami

Michigan State basketball has a tough task ahead versus Miami, but does the Spartan Avenue staff smell an upset?

A win over Miami on Friday night would technically be considered an ‘upset’ for Michigan State basketball, but the Spartans feel as if they’re on the same level as the Hurricanes. Both teams are fighting for a chance to face Kansas in round two and pull off a huge upset.

Must Read: 5 reasons Michigan State will beat Miami

Earning the No. 9 seed was a surprise for Michigan State, but they have to like the matchup against a similar-sized Miami team. The matchup will be an interesting one, but only one team can advance to the round of 32.

Who comes out on top in the end? The Spartan Avenue staff offers predictions.

Connor Muldowney: Will Tom Izzo lose in the first round for the second consecutive season? Despite all of the ups and downs this year’s team has faced, the Spartans are going to come together to kick off the weekend against Miami. The Hurricanes like to play a slower pace, but you’re going to see the Spartans get out and run and make Miami uncomfortable and play MSU’s tempo. Miles Bridges will have a solid game while Cassius Winston and Josh Langford step up finally.

Final: Michigan State 67, Miami 64

Brooks Hepp: Many people are comparing the 2015 Final Four run to this year’s team. I disagree. The 2015 team was led by a group of veterans, while this year’s team is led by freshmen. I think Cassius Winston will struggle and Tum Tum Nairn will take the majority of the minutes at point guard. He won’t be a great enough offensive threat to defeat Miami. Michigan State will head into the offseason with a potential top-10 team next season.

Final: Michigan State 68, Miami 74

Russell Brown: The Spartans will beat the Hurricanes with strong contributions from Nick Ward and Miles Bridges. Ward will record another double-double while Bridges will have a handful of highlight reel dunks to carry the the Spartans into the next round. Expect Matt McQuaid to help build the Spartans momentum with a strong performance from beyond the arc. Lastly, Joshua Langford will do a little bit of everything on the offensive and defensive end. Primarily, he’ll drive to the basket and set up numerous free-throw opportunities for himself. Despite only making about 67 percent of his free throw attempts, he’ll have a strong day today and be a difference maker. Tom Izzo will have his team much more prepared this year and the Spartans won’t taste defeat early like they did last year.

Final: Michigan State 68, Miami 60

Adam Zdroik: This matchup is incredibly even, but there’s one difference maker. It’ll simply come down to if Nick Ward can have success and play more than 20 minutes. If not, the Spartans lose. If so, Ward will draw fouls on the Miami bigs and that’ll lead to open shooters on the outside. This is close to a 50/50 game, so there’s only one result I can predict.

Final: Michigan State 66, Miami 64

Michael Briggs: The Spartans are dancing for the 20th consecutive year, but this season’s squad faces a serious challenge to even move past the opening round. Miami is a sound defensive team and is undefeated this season when it limits its opponents to 65 or fewer points. The Hurricanes are an athletic bunch, but are undersized down low — welcome news for the similarly-undersized Spartans. If Nick Ward can routinely attain good post positioning, the odds of the Spartans taking down the 8-seed ‘Canes swings in MSU’s favor. If not, Michigan State will experience consecutive first-round NCAA tournament exits for the first time under Tom Izzo.

Final: Michigan State 68, Miami 64

Ryan McCumber: Michigan State takes on a Miami team that doesn’t have a ton of experience, like this Spartan team. However, one of their best players, PG Davon Reed, is a senior. The Hurricanes play a lot smaller like the Spartans do. They usually feature a four-guard lineup with one forward. This team reminds me a lot of Minnesota, but a bit more perimeter-oriented. There are two freshmen who will have a huge impact on this game, and will likely at times be matched up against each other: Miles Bridges and Bruce Brown. Look for the younger players on both teams to have a massive impact on this game. I do expect the Spartans to get at least one tournament win.

Final: Michigan State 78, Miami 74

Joe Clifford: Michigan State will look to lengthen their season against Miami. The Spartans will need to play good defense against Miami, and that starts with Josh Langford and Miles Bridges. As long as Michigan State can avoid turnovers they should be able to win this game. Look for big games from Bridges and Cassius Winston, and a Spartan five-point win.

Final: Michigan State 76, Miami 71

Stephen Robb: Miami is a dangerous team and many experts have predicted them to make it to the second round and upset Kansas. However, if Nick Ward can stay out of foul trouble, then the Spartans have a solid opportunity to win. This will be a close game and they’ll need someone to step up and put this team on their back. Spartans win.

Final: Michigan State 72, Miami 71

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