Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Long Beach State

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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 9: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans during game action against the Southern Utah Thunderbirds at Breslin Center on December 9, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

1. Spartans out-rebound Long Beach State by 20-plus

Long Beach State isn’t known for rebounding, and that much has been obvious through the first month-plus of the season. In fact, the 49ers average just 33 rebounds per game which is good for just 310th in college basketball. The Spartans, on the other hand, average over 43, good for sixth in the nation.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: Preview, prediction vs. Long Beach State

That major discrepancy on both ends of the floor in terms of rebounding plays well into the Spartans’ favor and it will result in a major victory on the glass for the green and white.

Tom Izzo was furious with the way his team rebounded against Houston Baptist — the Spartans gave up 24 offensive boards to a mid-major at home. That won’t happen again as this team will get the message and keep Long Beach State off the glass and that includes on the offensive end.

Missed shots by the 49ers will help the Spartans rack up big rebounding numbers as they will eclipse 50 on the night and they’ll hold Long Beach State to a little less than its average.

Next: MSU Basketball: Game-by-game predictions for December

Rebounding has to be a priority for this team heading into Thursday night’s matchup and Izzo won’t let this team forget just how poor its performance earlier in the week was.

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