Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Minnesota in Week 15

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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 10: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a call during a game against the Purdue Boilermakers in the second half at Breslin Center on February 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

1. MSU finishes with less than 10 turnovers for second straight game

Minnesota’s lackluster defense will help this bold prediction become a reality. While the Golden Gophers are capable of causing turnovers, they also allow almost 75 points per game, which is not an ideal mark.

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Michigan State’s passing will be key in this one as the Spartans will do just what they did in the second half of the win over Purdue, and that’s facilitate. They were able to work the ball around the perimeter, make smart passes and find the open man on each possession.

The Golden Gophers just don’t have the depth to keep up with the Spartans’ potent offense and Tom Izzo had to have preached the importance of protecting the ball all week at practice. The second half of the Purdue game was proof that if they don’t turn it over a bunch, not many teams are able to keep up, let alone beat them.

In fact, Michigan State finished with just six total turnovers, after recording five in the first half, and out-scored the No. 3 team in the nation in the final 20 minutes by eight.

Next: MSU Basketball: 5 takeaways from win over No. 3 Purdue

The Spartans will finish with just seven turnovers at Minnesota, despite playing in a tough environment. Two straight games with less than 10 turnovers? Now that’s a rarity — and it’ll lead to an 81-74 win.

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