Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Southern Utah
4. Xavier Tillman scores in double-figures
For a freshman big man, Xavier Tillman has shown plenty of promise for the Spartans. He is averaging 3.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.8 blocks in just 9.7 minutes per game.
Although that’s rather pedestrian compared to the other bigs, he’s also getting the least amount of time of the court. That will change on Saturday with the Spartans up big. Tom Izzo loves getting his young guys some growing opportunities and with a big lead against Southern Utah, Tillman will see 15 minutes on Saturday.
Tillman will finish with his career-high in points, putting up 12 with six rebounds and two blocks. He’s been extremely efficient in the amount of time he’s on the floor and he will be just that against the Thunderbirds.
The freshman big man will ignite the crowd even during a game that might not attract big numbers to the Breslin Center. He’s been a spark off the bench all season long and his 12 points, including a couple of dunks, and two blocks will have the crowd on its feet.