Michigan State basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Rutgers in Big Ten opener

Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Rutgers in Big Ten opener

LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 27: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after being charged with his fifth foul during the 82-78 OT loss against the Louisville Cardinals at KFC YUM! Center on November 27, 2018 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 23: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with a teammate after winning the championship game of the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament against the Texas Longhorns at the Orleans Arena on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michigan State defeated Texas 78-68. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

4. Xavier Tillman records his third double-double

It had been a rough season for Xavier Tillman heading into Tuesday night’s matchup at Louisville but the sophomore big man bounced back in a big way.

Tillman finished the game with his second double-double of the season, scoring 11 points with 13 rebounds and making the Cardinals pay for not accounting for him. He looked like the player everyone had expected before the season began and the only downfall of his performance was a missed layup with the Spartans up by one late in the game.

If he makes the layup, Michigan State likely wins the game instead of giving up a three on the other end to fall behind for good.

That’s neither here nor there. The Spartans lost for many reasons and Tillman can’t catch all the blame but he will bounce back from that rough moment to record back-to-back double-doubles, and his third of the season.

Tillman scores 12 and grabs 10 rebounds. Heck, he’ll even finish with three blocks.

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