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Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for crucial Big Ten battle vs. Purdue

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 10: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates late in the in the second half during a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Breslin Center on February 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 10: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates late in the in the second half during a game against the Purdue Boilermakers at Breslin Center on February 10, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 03: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans box out Tyler Cook #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during a free throw attempt during in the second half at Breslin Center on December 3, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 03: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans box out Tyler Cook #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes during a free throw attempt during in the second half at Breslin Center on December 3, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

3. Nick Ward dominates yet again

Purdue has some bigs that can at least slow down Nick Ward’s dominant streak, but will they? My money is on “no”.

The junior big man is having his way with the Big Ten this season and he’s been named the conference’s player of the week after averaging 21 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks while shooting 14-of-23 from the floor last week to restart conference action. He’ll continue his torrid streak with a 20-plus point game and he’ll finally get that second double-double of the year.

Ward improved his free throw shooting against Ohio State, making 11-of-14, so don’t expect the Boilermakers to just send him to the line, but also don’t be surprised if they can’t hold him in check. Matt Haarms isn’t going to be able to guard Ward seeing as the strength discrepancy is quite large, but Nick will dominate whoever Purdue places on him.

The double-teams are only going to work for so long because he’s gotten much better at kicking the ball out to an open teammate, forcing the defense to re-adjust and then getting it back deeper in the post for an easy bucket.

Expect a lot of that action on Tuesday evening as he finishes with 24 points and 11 rebounds, chipping in two blocks and shooting 70 percent from the field for the second straight game.

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