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Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Illinois on Senior Night

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 31: Joshua Langford #1 of the Michigan State Spartans looks on 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: Joshua Langford #1 of the Michigan State Spartans looks on 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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ROSEMONT, IL – FEBRUARY 17: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with his teammates as they defeated Northwestern Wildcats on February 17, 2018 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 65-60. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
ROSEMONT, IL – FEBRUARY 17: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with his teammates as they defeated Northwestern Wildcats on February 17, 2018 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 65-60. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

1. Spartans win big, celebrate Big Ten title

Believe it or not, but it’s been five years since Michigan State last won a Big Ten regular season championship. For as good of a coach as Tom Izzo has been over the past two decades, he has gone through somewhat of a slump in recent years when it comes to winning the conference.

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

That could all change on Tuesday night with a win over Illinois. A victory over the Illini on Senior Night in East Lansing will clinch at least a share of the regular season title for the Spartans and either losses by both Purdue and Ohio State or a win on Saturday against Wisconsin will give the Spartans their first outright title since 2009.

Crazy to think it’s been nine years since the Spartans last won an outright Big Ten title, but it could happen — finally — this year.

Although Illinois is a pesky team and won’t go down without a fight, the Spartans are going to get in rhythm and stay that way for the entire 40 minutes. It’ll be a blowout win for the green and white with a celebration to ensue.

Next: MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for February

In my initial score prediction for this game, I had the Spartans winning 79-56, but I’m going to scratch that and increase the scoring total for both sides because I think Michigan State will break 80 with ease. The Spartans will win big and raise a Big Ten title banner after an 86-63 thumping of the Illini.

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