Michigan State Basketball: Preview, prediction vs. Stony Brook in Week 2
Michigan State basketball will host Stony Brook in the third game of the season. Here’s everything you need to know for the matchup.
Beginning the season just 1-1 might seem like a disappointment for the No. 2 team in the country, but for Michigan State, it can be used as a lesson. Nothing in college basketball is even, and the Spartans now realize that after a tough loss to No. 1 Duke in the Champions Classic.
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The Spartans will get a chance to bounce back and get back in the win column with a game against Stony Brook on Sunday evening. The Seawolves of Stony Brook have yet to record a win this season, sitting at 0-3.
Miles Bridges received some criticism for his timid play on Tuesday against Duke, but it’ll be interesting to see if he takes that in stride and has a typical 20-point performance with some high-flying dunks. Tom Izzo also ran the war drill in practice this week, multiple times, so rebounding should be an area to watch as well.
Here’s how you can watch Sunday’s Michigan State vs. Stony Brook game:
Date: Sunday, Nov. 19
Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, Mich.
Venue: Breslin Center
TV: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: BTN2Go
Keys to Victory
I don’t think Michigan State will be in much danger of losing this one, but you never know in college basketball. However, in order to ensure a victory, the Spartans must hold on to the ball and value each possession. Turning it over 38 times in two games isn’t going to cut it, but cutting that in half — maybe about 10-11 against Stony Brook — would help in the long-term.
On the defensive side of the ball, staying out of foul trouble is important. Although the Spartans do have depth, this is another aspect of the game that can be worked on after the Duke showing. This game will be about cleaning up the mistakes that have resonated in the first two contests.
Stony Brook players to watch
Although Stony Brook hasn’t won a game to start the season in three tries, the Seawolves still have a few players to keep an eye on.
- Akwasi Yeboah: 12.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, 47% 3-point shooting
- Tyrell Sturdivant: 12.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 38% 3-point shooting
- Junior Saintel: 8.0 points, 6.7 rebounds
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Prediction
Michigan State will use this game to clean up some mistakes from its first two games, including turnovers and foul trouble. The Spartans will play strong defense, finishing with 10-plus blocks for the third straight games and Miles Bridges will add 25 points and 10 boards. Cassius Winston finished with 10-plus assists and Nick Ward adds a double-double. All-around solid win for the green and white as Stony Brook will be no contest.
Final Score: Stony Brook 56, Michigan State 91