Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Illinois in Week 12

4. Michigan State’s assist-to-turnover ratio is 3-to-1

Illinois is one of the only teams in the Big Ten that plays sloppier basketball, in terms of turnovers, than Michigan State. The Illini average about 15 turnovers per game while the Spartans are sitting firm at 14 which is still not ideal, but not the end of the world. If there’s one weakness for this team, it’d have to be that constant battle with turnovers.

Although it’ll be a road game in a harsh environment which usually causes Michigan State trouble, it’ll be poor shooting early on that will keep the Illini in the game and not turnovers. The Spartans will finish with less than 10 turnovers and the assist numbers will be up there as well around the 20-23 mark when the offense heats up in the second half.

When Michigan State dishes out at least 20 assists, it’s extremely difficult to beat. The Spartans are one of the toughest teams in the country to defend as they’re always passing to find the open man and sometimes Cassius Winston makes passes that can get teammates open — also known as passes to where teammates should be.

The sophomore point guard will have his second straight solid performance with seven assists and two turnovers while Tum Tum Nairn will come off the bench to dish out six assists. This is the type of guard play that will win you big games.