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Michigan State Basketball: Game preview, prediction vs. Kansas

By Connor Muldowney

Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Michigan State Spartans team members huddle during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Michigan State Spartans team members huddle during the first half against the Miami Hurricanes in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State basketball will face off against No. 1 seed Kansas on Sunday evening and here’s everything you need to know.

The day has finally come for Michigan State basketball’s offseason hard work to start paying big dividends. Not many are giving the Spartans much of a chance on Sunday evening against top-seeded Kansas, but the Jayhawks have proven all year long during Big 12 play that they are beatable.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: 5 reasons Spartans can make Final Four run

For this young Michigan State team, though, it will take a herculean effort to upset the Jayhawks who are considered one of the favorites to win the entire tournament. If Michigan State can play like it did in the final 30 minutes against Miami in round one, this game could be extremely close.

Will some of that confidence boil over from the first game or will the Spartans crack under the pressure? Find out on Sunday evening.

Here’s how you can watch the Spartans’ matchup with Kansas online:

Date: Sunday, March 19
Start Time: 5:15 p.m. ET
Location: Tulsa, OK
Venue: BOK Center
TV: CBS
Live Stream: CBS Sports Live or March Madness Live

Keys to Victory

Feed the post early and often. Michigan State has an advantage down low, surprisingly, and Nick Ward needs to touch the ball on a regular basis. He needs to get at least 10 shots up and he should be able to draw fouls on Kansas with the constant mismatches. Miles Bridges would benefit from playing in the post, too.

Defensively, contain Frank Mason III. That’s going to leave guys like Devonte’ Graham and Josh Jackson to pick up the slack, but the offense seems to go as the senior guard goes. If the Spartans can slow him down, they will be able to keep the game close.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Kansas -8
Over/Under: 149

Fun Facts

  • Michigan State is 3-1 against Kansas in the last four meetings.
  • The Spartans took down Kansas last season in the Champions Classic and Denzel Valentine recorded a triple-double.
  • Tom Izzo is 13-1 in second round matchups during his tenure.
  • Josh Jackson was down to Michigan State and Kansas before committing to the Jayhawks (he’s originally from Detroit).

Related Story: MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for NCAA Tournament

Prediction

You may not believe it since it’s not a regularity this season, but Michigan State’s post, led by Nick Ward, is stronger than what Kansas has to offer. Although the Spartans hold the advantage in the frontcourt, Kansas has the clear edge in the backcourt with Mason III and Graham. Don’t forget Josh Jackson, either. The Bridges vs. Jackson battle will be epic and it will keep the game close for the first 30 minutes, but Kansas will pull away late as Mason III takes over.

Final: Michigan State 66, Kansas 75

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