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Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Cleveland State

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 21: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates from the bench during the game against the Long Beach State 49ers at Breslin Center on December 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 21: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates from the bench during the game against the Long Beach State 49ers at Breslin Center on December 21, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State basketball will host Cleveland State on Friday night and here are five bold predictions for the non-conference matchup.

It’s the end of December which means one thing for college basketball fans: conference play is right around the corner. Michigan State already has two Big Ten games under its belt, but there are two games standing between the Spartans and the return of conference action.

Cleveland State comes to town on Friday evening searching for a major upset, but the Spartans have avoided letdowns against inferior foes. The Vikings aren’t going to go down without a fight, though. Tom Izzo will undoubtedly have his team ready for the second-to-last non-conference bout of the season.

Here are some bold predictions for Friday night’s Michigan State versus Cleveland State game.

5. Michigan State blocks 15 shots

Michigan State blocks more shots than any team in the country. The Spartans average nine blocks per game and have an astounding total of 115 already on the season. They’re on pace to smash previous school records for blocks and two major reasons for that are Jaren Jackson Jr. and Nick Ward.

Those two post players have combined for 67 blocks this season with Miles Bridges adding 15 of his own. This team isn’t afraid to attack driving players and swat shots and it’s nearly impossible to go down the lane and score on this team.

Cleveland State is one of those teams that likes to try and get to the hole, but Michigan State will shut that notion down early on. The Vikings will attempt to stick to their game plan, but Jackson Jr. and Ward will combine for 10 blocks on Friday night. On top of that, Bridges will have two, Xavier Tillman will finish with two off the bench and Gavin Schilling will be good for one.

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