Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Indiana in Week 11

Can Michigan State basketball get back on track against the Indiana Hoosiers? Here are five bold predictions for the matchup.

It’s bounce-back time. Michigan State has had a rough three-game stretch against Ohio State, Rutgers and Michigan, going 1-2 and recording a single victory against the Scarlet Knights at home in overtime. It hasn’t exactly been an ideal start to January, but Friday night is a good opportunity to get back on track.

The issues have been mostly related to offense, but the Spartans’ usually-stout defense has allowed over 80 points in the two losses.

Indiana has been struggling all season long outside of its past three contests, all resulting in victories. The Hoosiers are now 11-7 overall and tied with Michigan State for third in the conference with a 4-2 record. Archie Miller’s first season with Indiana hasn’t been perfect.

Let’s take a look at five bold predictions for Friday’s big matchup.

5. Spartans hold Hoosiers under 35 percent shooting

Indiana isn’t exactly a light-outs shooting team, but the Hoosiers can fill it up every now and then. They average just 74 points per game, however, and they’ll fail to reach that mark agains the Spartans. They also shoot absit 46 percent from the floor and they’ll fall far short of that as well.

Michigan State’s defensive inside the perimeter has been as good as any in the nation outside of the past three games and the Spartans been locking down on everyone. They’ve led the nation in blocks and don’t give up many easy baskets — although you’d think differently if you watched the past three contests.

The Hoosiers will face an angry Michigan State team ready to shut down the paint and mid-range game. They’ll struggle to get any good looks and finish with one of their lowest shooting percentages on the season of under 35 percent. They’ll also struggle from the perimeter which is a good sign for Tom Izzo.