Michigan State Basketball: Game-by-game predictions for January 2018

Michigan State basketball faces a crucial month of January and here are the game-by-game predictions for the Spartans.

The 2017-18 Michigan State basketball season is flying right by before our very eyes and there are only two months left of conference action. The Spartans’ last game of Big Ten play is Feb. 25 at Wisconsin and that means they have little time to prove themselves worthy of that No. 1 ranking.

As the No. 1 team in the country heading into the new year, Michigan State knows it has a huge target on its back. Conference play won’t be easy, but the Spartans already have a 2-0 record in league action and the month of January should be a cakewalk for this team. However, will the Spartans be able to go a perfect 9-0?

What do Michigan State’s game-by-game predictions look like for January?

Unfortunately for Maryland, injuries have crept into the Terrapins’ 2017-18 campaign as they’ve lost Ivan Bender and Justin Jackson for the year. They have also suffered some other minor injuries which have kept players out for a few games, and that will show against the Spartans in East Lansing.

Michigan State is red-hot right now and the Terrapins are looking to just stay afloat and make it to March in one piece — or close to it. The Terrapins have a disadvantage in the post, and it will show.

Nick Ward is going to have one of his better games, shooting 8-for-10 from the floor with 19 points and 11 rebounds while Jaren Jackson Jr. will play down low more, scoring 12 points with eight rebounds and four blocks.

Luckily for Spartan fans, Melo Trimble is gone and no longer around to haunt dreams. Cassius Winston should have a strong day at point thanks to that little tidbit.

Final Score: Maryland 67, Michigan State 81 (15-1, 3-0 Big Ten)