Michigan State Basketball: Final score predictions vs. Wisconsin in Big Ten Tournament
Michigan State basketball will get another matchup with Wisconsin on Friday but can the Spartans beat the Badgers for the second time in a week?
It seems like just yesterday Wisconsin was bringing Michigan State down to the wire in Madison, but it probably feels that way because it happened just this week. The Spartans were able to hold off the Badgers on the road, 68-63.
Must Read: MSU Basketball: 5 takeaways from win over Wisconsin
Wisconsin wanted a rematch and the Badgers will get it on Friday afternoon in the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinal. Can the Spartans take care of business and move into Saturday’s semifinal?
Michigan State might be far superior, talent-wise, but Wisconsin isn’t going to go down quietly for the second time in a week.
Connor Muldowney: On paper, this one shouldn’t be all that close. Wisconsin averages under 70 points per game and the Spartans are up near 80, but the Badgers are playing their best basketball of the year. This one is going to be close for a majority of the game, but the Spartans will pull away in the final 10 minutes thanks to some big shots from Cassius Winston and Miles Bridges — the latter will score 25. Nick Ward and Jaren Jackson Jr. will cause problems for the Badgers as well.
Final Score: Wisconsin 65, Michigan State 74
Michael Briggs: With its first goal completed, the Big Ten champs begin their quest for a conference tournament title Friday against Wisconsin. Considering the Spartans just took down the Badgers this past Sunday, they should be extra prepared, which is certainly not good news for UW considering it’s already facing an Izzo-led team in March.
A better game plan will prevent Brad Davison from another 30-point performance and the Spartans bigs will smother Ethan Happ in the paint, preventing the Badgers from keeping this one close past halftime. Miles Bridges, meanwhile, will look more like himself, leading the Spartans with 20-plus points — the majority of which will come in the first half. It’s Izzo, ahem March, and MSU is on a roll. Or, in other words, business as usual.
Final Score: Wisconsin 63, Michigan State 77
Adam Zdroik: The last thing I want to do is watch buzzcut Brad Davison play another minute of basketball this season but here we are. These teams just played and the only reason it was close was because Davison went unconscious from the field. Miles Bridges will return to form and the Spartans will get an easy win to open the tourney against a team that is outmatched.
Final Score: Wisconsin 52, Michigan State 65
Stephen Robb: It’s a rematch with Wisconsin. This Badger team is dangerous and they proved that in their last matchup with MSU. The last game the Spartans had no answer for Brad Davison as he scorched them for 30. Outside of Ethan Happ, no other Badger did much. Tom Izzo will have his guys ready with a new game plan. Wisconsin had more balanced scoring against Maryland. These Badgers are much better than their record and I anticipate another slugfest.
Final Score: Wisconsin 59, Michigan State 62
Next: MSU Basketball: 5 bold predictions for Big Ten Tournament
Cory Linsner: Wisconsin is a foe Michigan State should know by now, this being the third meeting between the two teams. Nothing changes in my eyes from Sunday. If anything, the situation may have gotten worse for the Spartans. Wisconsin, playing its best basketball of the season, is now playing for its life in a win or go home (for good) scenario. MSU is coming off a 68-63 win over the Badgers on Sunday in a closely contested game that went down to the wire. Expect more of the same in the Friday afternoon matchup. Miles Bridges will need to step up and get his game right to lead the Spartans into a matchup (hopefully) with rival Michigan on Saturday.
Final Score: Wisconsin 64, Michigan State 71