Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Louisville in Week 4

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: Joshua Langford #1 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots against Jericho Sims #20 of the Texas Longhorns during the championship game of the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michigan State defeated Texas 78-68. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 23: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans dunks against the Texas Longhorns during the championship game of the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

4. Nick Ward goes off for 20/10

If there’s been one major surprise to the 2018-19 season thus far, it’s the fact that Nick Ward hasn’t quite gobbled up the rebounds in the way that he’s capable.

Things will change, for the better, against a Louisville team that hasn’t been all that dominant down low and rebounding hasn’t been its strength. I see Kenny Goins approaching double-digit rebounds again, but Ward, too, will hit that mark to go along with his 20 points.

I’ve been predicting a 20/10 game for Ward almost all season long, but this has to be the game he goes off because, well, he’s long overdue.

A completely healthy Ward is a scary sight for opponents and the Cardinals, who have struggled with foul trouble in the post all season, will have a tough day against the big man from Gahanna, Ohio.

Ward will finish with 21 points and 11 rebounds, his second 20/10 effort of the season with plenty to come.

Home/Spartans Basketball