Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Basketball: Final score predictions vs. Syracuse in round two

By Connor Muldowney

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots the ball against the Bucknell Bison in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots the ball against the Bucknell Bison in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Michigan State and Syracuse are preparing to go at it on Sunday afternoon but which side will come out on top? The Spartan Avenue staff weighs in.

Zone defense. Just hearing it makes even the toughest Spartan tremble. Michigan State has struggled against the zone for a while now and Syracuse (22-13) presents an interesting test in the second round.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: 5 reasons Spartans can make the Final Four

The Orange made it into the field, somewhat controversially, with a 20-13 record and have already won the play-in game over Arizona State as well as their second-round matchup with 6-seeded TCU. Michigan State (30-4) must take this Syracuse team seriously in order to advance to its first Sweet 16 since 2015.

Syracuse’s zone may cause some problems, but will it be enough for an upset?

Connor Muldowney: Miles Bridges is angry. He doesn’t like people doubting him or the Spartans and he was willing to play selfishly (but in a good way) in a win over Bucknell. He’s going to notch another solid game, this time scoring 30 points against the Syracuse zone. The game will be tight for most of the first half, but like the Bucknell game, the Spartans will make adjustments at halftime and stretch the lead to double-digits. Syracuse will make it close again before Cassius Winston puts the nail in the coffin with some clutch 3-point daggers.

Final Score: Syracuse 68, Michigan State 78

Adam Zdroik: Michigan State has everything needed to beat the zone. But against a ton of length it won’t be easy. Good thing Syracuse struggles to score against everyone. This will be close only because the Spartans love playing close games. Jaren Jackson Jr. goes for 24 points in the win.

Final Score: Syracuse 55, Michigan State 66

Stephen Robb: Spartan fans will never forget how Middle Tennessee rained them out of the tournament two years ago. However, it was Syracuse’s 2-3 zone that crushed the Cinderella story. Syracuse’s 2-3 zone has been compared to a Rubik’s Cube. Their zone prevents movement for teams. This could be a problem for MSU if they are not hitting their shots. It’s going to be a defensive contest. Syracuse is not deep and that is where the Spartans could have the edge.

Final Score: Syracuse 52, Michigan State 54

Cory Linsner: Michigan State came out strong verse Bucknell, and may have shushed the doubters. That’s until those same doubters come back out and say “MSU cant win vs. a zone.” There is some validity to that statement tho, as MSU has struggled verse the zone this season, and obviously Syracuse is known for their 2-3 zone. Michigan State will need to come out and attack the zone, while staying strong on defense.

Next: MSU Basketball: 5 biggest concerns before NCAA tourney

The Spartans also need to use their depth as an advantage, as Syracuse’s bench isn’t very deep. At the end of the day, Michigan State knows Duke looms ahead, and with Duke running a zone defense, Syracuse is a good start in figuring out how to score on a zone. Michigan State will make the proper adjustments and win a knock out, grind it out game.

Final Score: Syracuse 55, Michigan State 66

Home/Spartans Basketball