Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for January 2019

1. Michigan State goes 7-1 in month of January

Well, Michigan State is already 2-0, but there are six games remaining, including two against Purdue, a battle against Maryland and three other road games against Iowa, Penn State and Nebraska. To say this month is going to be trying for the Spartans is an understatement.

However, with Cassius Winston playing at a Big Ten Player of the Year level, Xavier Tillman molding into one of the best bench players in the nation and Nick Ward being the model of efficiency, along with expanding depth, the Spartans should be in a prime spot to leave the month with a 7-1 record overall and 9-1 in Big Ten play heading into February.

Let’s break it down.

First, the Spartans face Purdue at home on Jan. 8. That’ll be a tough battle as most Purdue matchup are, but I think Michigan State takes care of business and wins by 10-12. Next, there’s a road game at Penn State. The Nittany Lions have been struggling lately and Happy Valley isn’t usually rocking for basketball games. This one won’t be easy, but it’ll be another road win for the green and white.

At Nebraska on Jan. 17 will be the second-toughest test of the month behind a game at Ohio State, but like that Buckeye game, the Spartans will overcome a slight halftime deficit to tough out a win. They will then handle Maryland the following game at home, winning by 15.

Ending the month with two road games — one at Iowa and one at Purdue — won’t be easy and I’m calling a split for the Spartans. Sure, an 8-0 start to conference play should give this team plenty of confidence and further momentum, but neither West Lafayette nor Iowa City are easy places to win.

Michigan State goes 7-1 in January and is 9-1 in the Big Ten before February ball.