Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. No. 1 Kansas

Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Kansas in Champions Classic

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 03: Matt McQuaid #20 and Joshua Langford #1 of the Michigan State Spartans react following their 75-64 loss to the Michigan Wolverines during semifinals of the Big 10 Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 3, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

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TULSA, OK – MARCH 19: Lagerald Vick #2 of the Kansas Jayhawks attempts a shot defended by Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 19, 2017 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

3. Lagerald Vick, Dedric Lawson both held under 10 points

Beating Kansas will depend on two things. One, winning the battle in the post and two, holding Memphis transfer Dedric Lawson and lead returning scorer Lagerald Vick in check. Those are the two players who could present the most problems for Michigan State and as long as they aren’t scoring 20 points each, the Spartans will be in good shape.

Luckily, Michigan State will get a strong defensive effort from Xavier Tillman and Kenny Goins, who will most likely be tasked with facing Lawson as well as from Josh Langford and Matt McQuaid — Vick’s likely defenders.

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The Spartans will play some motivated defense — and yes, you’ll see some slapping of the floor which has mixed reviews from fans — which will lead to the two main threats being held under 10 points each.

Lawson could very well become the Big 12 Player of the Year and Vick is the kind of guy who can score from just about everywhere and make a defense’s life miserable, but the Spartans will clamp down and hold them both in check.

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