Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for December 2018

Michigan State basketball has an important stretch of games in December approaching. Can the Spartans go unbeaten before Big Ten play resumes?

The month of December has been kind to Michigan State basketball thus far. The Spartans are 1-0 with a 22-point win over No. 18 Iowa and that could be a sign of things to come.

Tom Izzo has a big month ahead, which includes a decision, or maybe two, from some of his top targets on the 2019 recruiting board. The Spartans need everything to go right to have a great end to the 2018 calendar year and head back into Big Ten play with plenty of momentum.

Here’s what we can expect from Michigan State this month, if everything works out as planned.

5. Xavier Tillman averages double-double off the bench

If there’s one player on the team who has improved the most since the start of the season, it’s Xavier Tillman. The sophomore big man was expected to take a major leap this season after a strong finish to his freshman year, but he looked lost through the first six games, or so.

Turnovers, missed bunnies and passive play in the post led to a disappointing start to the season, but he’s turned things around and he’s looking like a quality sixth man for the Spartans.

Over the past three games, he’s averaging 12 points and 9.7 rebounds per game while blocking his fair share of shots. He’s looking like the player everyone expected before the season, which is taking plenty of pressure off Nick Ward.

That’ll continue through the final four non-conference games, averaging 11 points and 11 rebounds per game and he’ll even add a total of 13 blocks in the month.

This kid is going to be crucial for the Spartans’ Big Ten title hopes.