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Michigan State Basketball: Preview, prediction vs. winless Tennessee Tech

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 11: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans smiles during a game against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in the second half at Breslin Center on November 11, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 11: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans smiles during a game against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in the second half at Breslin Center on November 11, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State basketball faces a cakewalk test against a winless Tennessee Tech team on Sunday evening. Can the Spartans remain focused?

Losing Nick Ward was a tough blow to Michigan State, but the junior forward’s non-contact injury wasn’t as bad as it seemed. He suffered a sprained ankle and is listed as day-to-day, but the Spartans could very well sit him against Tennessee Tech as a safety precaution, and they probably should.

If there’s a game on the schedule that Michigan State could afford to be without Ward, it’s against Tennessee Tech (0-4) which hasn’t been all that competitive this season. In fact, the Golden Eagles are allowing 90 points per game while scoring just 66. Their closest game this season has been a 14-point loss to Savannah State and they’re coming off a 50-point defeat against North Carolina.

Michigan State, on the other hand, has won two straight games after losing to No. 1 Kansas in the Champions Classic. Josh Langford and Cassius Winston have been playing well, as have Xavier Tillman and Kenny Goins, but the rising star of Aaron Henry could be a difference-maker off the bench.

The Spartans could use another big win against a lesser opponent on Sunday evening in order to gain momentum before the Las Vegas Invitational.

Here’s how to watch Michigan State vs. Tennessee Tech online:

Date: Sunday, Nov. 18
Time: 6:00 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, Mich.
Venue: Breslin Center
TV: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: BTN2Go or FuboTV

Keys to Victory

Josh Langford must prove to be a go-to scorer on the offensive side of the ball like he has through the first three games. If he can continue shooting at an impressive clip and driving to the hoop with confidence, Michigan State’s offense will run smoothly. The Golden Eagles’ defense hasn’t been stopping anyone this season.

Defensively, putting pressure on the ball and clogging those passing lanes will inevitably lead to turnovers and easy fast-break buckets. The Golden Eagles average 22 turnovers per game, so the Spartans must build on that defensive effort from the UL-Monroe win. Top that with winning the battle on the glass by a decent margin, and the Spartans win big. MSU doesn’t have to worry about the 3-pointer as Tennessee Tech is shooting 25 percent from deep.

Players to Watch

Tennessee Tech doesn’t score much, nor do the Golden Eagles play defense. The players to watch are few and far between, but these guys stand out the most:

  • Micaiah Henry: 16.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 76% FG
  • Hunter Vick: 11.3 points, 3.8 assists
  • Courtney Alexander: 10.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 50% FG

Next. MSU basketball: 10 bold predictions for 2018-19. dark

Prediction

Michigan State isn’t going to have that much trouble with the Golden Eagles as they run away with a win at home, heading into the Thanksgiving break and a Las Vegas Invitational trip. Without Ward, Tillman will record a second consecutive double-double and add three blocks. Winston, too, will have a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists. The Spartans will shoot 54 percent from the field and win the battle on the glass by 15.

Final Score: Tennessee Tech 56, Michigan State 91

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