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

By Connor Muldowney

PISCATAWAY, NJ - DECEMBER 05: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans drives for the net as Mike Williams #5 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defends on December 5, 2017 at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
PISCATAWAY, NJ - DECEMBER 05: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans drives for the net as Mike Williams #5 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defends on December 5, 2017 at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway, New Jersey. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WI – JANUARY 17: Head Coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans yells to the referee during the second half against Wisconsin Badgers at Kohl Center on January 17, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – JANUARY 17: Head Coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans yells to the referee during the second half against Wisconsin Badgers at Kohl Center on January 17, 2016 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /

It’s been a rough season for Indiana, to say the least. Archie Miller’s first season as the Hoosiers’ head coach hasn’t gone quite as planned, putting together just two winning streaks of two-plus game, the longest being three games, and losing to teams like IPFW and Indiana State. It feels almost as if Tom Crean is still at the helm.

Still, the adjustment period is going to take a while for the former Dayton coach. His Hoosiers will be extremely outmatched in East Lansing on Jan. 19 as Michigan State will race out to a big lead and Indiana will settle for outside shots despite not being able to hit them with regularity. The Spartans’ depth will wear Indiana down and Michigan State will come away with a comfortable win.

Final Score: Indiana 66, Michigan State 84 (19-1, 7-0 Big Ten)

Playing at Illinois is never an easy task. In fact, Michigan State looked to be the favorite to win in Champaign a year ago, but couldn’t figure out a way to get the victory. The Fighting Illini always play Michigan State tough at home, but the talent discrepancy this year is quite drastic.

Everyone expected Wright State transfer Mark Alstork to be an instant impactor, but he hasn’t quite lived up to the hype. Moreover, Michigan State will exact some revenge on the Illini for winning the recruiting battle of Mark Smith. Josh Langford will score 20 points, the Spartans will out-rebound the Illini by 10-plus and Miles Bridges adds a double-double.

Final Score: Michigan State 82, Illinois 69 (20-1, 8-0 Big Ten)

Wisconsin is usually a tough game for Michigan State, but the Badgers don’t look quite as competitive this year as in seasons past. They are just 9-7 after beating Indiana to start January and improve to 2-1 in Big Ten play.

Ethan Happ is probably the only player the Badgers have who can give Michigan State serious problems, especially after D’Mitrik Trice, brother of former Spartan star Travis Trice, went down with an injury. The Badgers’ offense just won’t be able to keep up with the Spartans and they will be lucky to finish with 60 points.

Final Score: Wisconsin 55, Michigan State 73 (21-1, 9-0 Big Ten)

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