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

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 10: Michigan State Spartans Matt McQuaid #20, Lourawls Nairn Jr. #1, Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 and Cassius Winston #5 looks on during the game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Breslin Center on January 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

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BLOOMINGTON, IN – JANUARY 21: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans attempts a shot in the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Assembly Hall on January 21, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

3. Nick Ward finishes with second double-double in three games

Nick Ward can be a dominant force in this league if he puts his mind to it. However, he needs to learn how to counter double-teams since he hasn’t been proving effective when teams decide to add a defender on him in the post over the last few games. In fact, he’s been rather sloppy.

Ward is coming off two of the worst games of his young career, scoring three points in a loss to Ohio State with three turnovers and scoring four against Michigan with three more cough-ups. It’s time he turns things around.

The sophomore is just a game removed from his last double-double and will add to his season total with another on Friday night. He’s going to figure out how to beat the double-team by getting deeper into the post and utilizing a quick first step and devastating spring move to get to the rim with regularity.

Tom Izzo has been quick to defend Ward in recent games, but he knows it’s time for him to silence all the doubt and get back on the right track. He will finish with 18 points and 11 rebounds — add in three blocks as well.

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