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Michigan State Basketball: Score predictions vs. Iowa in Week 14

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 31: Lourawls Nairn Jr. #11 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket in the second half during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Breslin Center on January 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 31: Lourawls Nairn Jr. #11 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket in the second half during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Breslin Center on January 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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With Michigan State basketball traveling to Iowa State on Tuesday night, should the Spartans feel good about a matchup with reeling Iowa?

If you’re Michigan State, you take every road game in Big Ten action seriously. Although this is a down year for the conference, on paper, there is not an easy place to play as a visitor.

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

The perfect example of that is Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Tuesday night. The Spartans haven’t won in Iowa City since 2014-15 and they have struggled plenty in recent years against the Hawkeyes. Will that trend continue against a reeling Iowa team on the road?

It’s not going to be easy, but does that mean the Spartan Avenue staff is predicting an upset?

Connor Muldowney: Michigan State isn’t going to show much fatigue against Iowa on Tuesday night despite playing its fifth game in 11 days. No, these Spartans learned from Saturday’s win over Indiana in Bloomington that no opponent can be taken lightly in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes have been mediocre, at best, this season and Michigan State is going to put up points with ease against that defense. Miles Bridges and the Spartans will race out to an early 10-point lead and hold on to that all game. Nick Ward will finally have an impact as well after failing to reach 10 points in three straight games.

Final Score: Michigan State 84, Iowa 71

Michael Briggs: Michigan State fought off a resilient Indiana team for an important win on Saturday. The Spartans face another quick turnaround on the road Tuesday night against Iowa, but the Hawkeyes do not pose as much of a threat as they typically do. As long as MSU doesn’t get out to a slow start and turn the ball over all night, it should depart Iowa City with another win.

Final Score: Michigan State 78, Iowa 63

Adam Zdroik: Iowa has won its last two home games easily so this isn’t a game to completely overlook despite what records show. Sure, the Hawkeyes just lost by 24 points at Penn State, but playing at home is much different and MSU also struggles most of the time in Iowa City. Then again, Iowa has the worst defensive efficiency in the conference and doesn’t force many turnovers. The Hawkeyes surprisingly matchup well, at least size-wise, but that can only go so far.

Final Score: Michigan State 88, Iowa 80

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Stephen Robb: It may seem as if Michigan State has struggled but there is another way to view this. The Spartans were hyped before season and for good reason. However, every team wants to beat that team. Essentially, MSU is getting everyone’s best shot. The game against Iowa will be no different. Iowa is 12-13 overall, however, it’s in Iowa City and the Hawkeyes will give them everything. Keep your eyes on Jordan Bohannon, Tyler Cook and Luke Garza — these guys make Iowa go. The Hawkeyes are a young team and I wouldn’t be surprised if they push the Spartans.

Final Score: Michigan State 77, Iowa 69

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