Michigan State Basketball: Game-by-game predictions for December 2018

Michigan State basketball has had a decent start to its 2018-19 season, but that could improve in the month of December. Can the Spartans go unbeaten?

Michigan State could use a strong run in the month of December to enter Big Ten play with an 11-2 record and spot in the AP top 10. However, the Spartans’ path toward that record won’t be easy, especially with teams like Florida, Iowa and Oakland still on the schedule.

Tom Izzo has assembled one of his more complete teams, but the Spartans are somewhat lacking in depth at the point guard position and the youth accounts for most of the bench production.

The big three of Cassius Winston, Nick Ward and Josh Langford have been playing well this season and they each look like All-Big Ten performers, but the Spartans must get more out of guys like Xavier Tillman, Kyle Ahrens, Kenny Goins, Matt McQuaid and Foster Loyer moving forward.

Let’s go game-by-game to predict the Spartans’ month of December.

This one will be tough for Michigan State and starting Big Ten play with a 2-0 record and a win over a ranked opponent would not only be huge for conference title hopes, but momentum throughout the remainder of the month.

In the first game back at Breslin Center since Nov. 18 against Tennessee Tech, the Spartans will take advantage of a raucous home crowd, downing the Hawkeyes thanks to a 3-point barrage and big game from Nick Ward. He will get Tyler Cook into some foul trouble and lead all scorers with 25 points while Cassius Winston records a double-double.

It wouldn’t be a home game against Iowa if there wasn’t some Fran McCaffery drama as the Izzone will give him some grief as he egregiously argues a late foul call and the Spartans will by double figures.

Final Score: Iowa 69, Michigan State 80 (7-2, 2-0)