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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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 18: Hunter Vick #20 of the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles drives to the basket while being defended by Kyle Ahrens #0 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Breslin Center on November 18, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

3. Kyle Ahrens scores 10 off the bench

Kyle Ahrens is coming off the best game of his career where he shot 6-of-10 from the field and finished with 15 points. He filled in for an injured Matt McQuaid and did a solid job, though his defense isn’t quite at the same level as the senior captain’s.

That won’t stop him from earning more minutes. Even if McQuaid returns on Friday night — which he should — the junior wing will play 20 minutes and have yet another strong performance.

Ahrens has proven he can be a serviceable offensive threat off the bench and he’ll chip in with another double-digit performance on Friday, hitting a couple of threes and slashing to the hoop for another jam and a layup, finishing with 10 points.

Michigan State could use more bench production and Ahrens seems like the answer. Him and Tillman will come off the pine to give Michigan State a much-needed spark, especially against a Rutgers defense which has dominated opponents this season.

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