Michigan State Basketball: Staff score predictions vs. Illinois in Week 12
Michigan State will hit the road to take on Illinois on Monday night and it’ll be an opportunity for the Spartans to gain some much-needed momentum.
Looking for their second road win in Big Ten action, the Michigan State Spartans will travel to Champaign for a big game on Monday night. They have won just three times in Champaign in the last 10 years, proving that Illinois is not easy to beat at home.
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Despite being 10-10 and 0-7 in the Big Ten, Illinois still holds bragging rights over Michigan State. The Illini won the last matchup a season ago which nearly crushed the Spartans’ NCAA Tournament hopes. Miles Bridges and Co. are aiming to make sure this matchup ends differently.
Monday night’s game could cause some problems for Michigan State, but what does the Spartan Avenue staff think?
Connor Muldowney: Playing in Champaign is something Michigan State hasn’t done very well over the years. In fact, the Spartans have just three wins in Champaign in the last 10 years — although some seasons only had just a home showdown against the Illini. This one won’t be any easier, but the Spartans will pull away in the final couple of minutes thanks to some big-time shots from Miles Bridges and Josh Langford. The two will combine for over 40 points and Michigan State will make the final score look a little more comfortable than the actual game.
Final Score: Michigan State 80, Illinois 69
Michael Briggs: Michigan State appeared to break from its slump against Indiana, beating the Hoosiers by nearly 30 points. The Spartans’ effort was strong from start to finish, which was encouraging after three straight lackluster performances. Even Miles Bridges seemed to have a breakout game, showing more of that killer mentality fans have been wishing to see more of.
Michigan State shouldn’t have any trouble beating a 10-10 Illinois team that’s winless in Big Ten play this season. The game will be a disappointment, however, if MSU dials back the emotion. It’s very possible that the Spartans will play just one more ranked team during the regular season, No. 3 Purdue on Feb. 10, but they cannot coast through games if they plan to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Pedal to the medal towards San Antonio.
Final Score: Michigan State 86, Illinois 63
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Adam Zdroik: Illinois just got crushed at Wisconsin, but playing on the road is a different animal. Michigan State knows that and the Illini have only played two home games in conference play, losing both in overtime. Similar to Indiana, Illinois doesn’t match up well with Michigan State down low with Leron Black their starting power forward. I also don’t think the Illini guards have the speed to capitalize against Cassius Winston and Josh Langford. Miles Bridges may get matched up by Mark Smith, which probably won’t end well for the guard who snubbed MSU.
Final Score: Michigan State 77, Illinois 69