Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for 2018 NCAA Tournament

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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 10: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a call during a game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Breslin Center on January 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

4. Nick Ward, Jaren Jackson Jr. average 30/20

The duo of Nick Ward and Jaren Jackson Jr. in the post is lethal. Not many teams in college basketball have quite the talent down low that the Spartans have, but foul trouble has limited these guys’ time together.

It seems like both guys are in foul trouble before the opening tip, but that could change in the NCAA Tournament. Maybe the officiating style will be slightly more lenient or maybe the Spartans have worked on hand-checks and body blows in practice.

The improvement will be obvious from the first game against Bucknell and beyond. Jackson Jr. will play over 20 minutes and Ward will follow suit as they will combine for about 35 points and 18 rebounds. The next couple games will be the same and they will finish the tournament with a combined average of 30 points, 20 rebounds and five blocks.

It’s that kind of production from the two bigs that could help lead the Spartans to the promised land. If Michigan State can get 30/20 out of these two, there may be no stopping the Spartans.

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