Michigan State Basketball: Preview, prediction vs. Indiana in Week 13

Indiana is not going to be a cakewalk for Michigan State on Saturday night. Will the Spartans be able to stave off an upset and win in Bloomington?

Although Michigan State was able to have its way with Indiana in the first meeting in East Lansing two weeks ago, the Spartans are going to need a more focused approach heading into Bloomington on Saturday night.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: Game-by-game predictions for February

Assembly Hall isn’t an easy place to play, no matter how poor a season Indiana is having. The Hoosiers, under the direction of first-year head coach Archie Miller, are just 12-11 overall and 5-6 in conference play.

They’ve essentially been a two-man show ever since De’Ron Davis went down with an injury and the Hoosiers are running out of steam this season.

On the other hand, Michigan State has won five straight games since losing at home to Michigan and the Spartans are looking to win their sixth in a row and third road game during that stretch to keep Big Ten title hopes alive.

Here’s how to watch Saturday night’s game:

Date: Saturday, Feb. 3
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Bloomington, Ind.
Venue: Assembly Hall
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN

Keys to victory

It’s simple, really. Contain Robert Johnson and Juwan Morgan and force the rest of the Hoosiers to try and pick up that slack. We saw in the first game what happened when Morgan went down with an injury, the Hoosiers simply didn’t know how to make up for that production and Johnson had to carry the load. Limit one, or both, of them and the Spartans will have a good chance to build on a lead.

Moreover, turnovers need to be slashed. Michigan State is known for turning the ball over, but that can’t continue to happen at such a high pace, especially on the road. If Michigan State finishes with a 2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio, the chances of winning skyrocket. Indiana won’t be able to hang with a turnover-free Spartan team.

Indiana players to watch

The Hoosiers are difficult to beat at home, but it can be done. They haven’t had the best season, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t talented players to give Michigan State a tough time.

• Juwan Morgan — 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, 59% FG shooting
• Robert Johnson — 13.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 43% FG shooting
• Josh Newkirk — 7.8 points, 2.8 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 34% 3-point shooting
• Devonte Green — 7.3 points, 2.0 assists

Next: MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for February

Prediction

In the first matchup, Juwan Morgan was injured, leaving the Robert Johnson and the rest of the Hoosiers to make up for his production — that they just couldn’t do. He’ll be healthy for this one, but the Spartans have depth in the post to keep him under wraps, but he’s going to leak out for 23 points, leading Indiana. He’ll be the reason the Hoosiers are still in this game late in the second half. Miles Bridges will put up his second 20-plus point performance against the Hoosiers in as many matchups this year and Jaren Jackson Jr., too, will have a big day.

Final Score: Michigan State 77, Indiana 72