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

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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 14: Mike Gesell #10 of the Iowa Hawkeyes dribbles the ball past Lourawls Nairn Jr. #11 of the Michigan State Spartansat the Breslin Center on January 14, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Michigan State’s only matchup with Iowa this season will come on the road. The Hawkeyes aren’t having the best season, sitting at 12-12 overall heading into February, but they’re going to get a shot at ruining the Spartans’ Big Ten title hopes in Iowa City.

The Hawkeyes seem to play Michigan State tough each season and, like Indiana, Iowa is not the friendliest destination for visitors.

Iowa can put up some points, averaging 81 per game and shooting 48 percent from the floor and 39 percent from 3-point range, but the main issue is defense. The Hawkeyes are allowing over 77 points per game which is good for 300th in college basketball — that’s where the Spartans will take advantage.

The Hawkeyes will get their points early and even take a halftime lead over Michigan State, but they won’t be able to keep up with the post presences of Nick Ward and Jaren Jackson Jr. along with the depth. The Spartans are going to wear this team down.

Final Score: Michigan State 84, Iowa 71 (23-3, 11-2 Big Ten)

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