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Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for Week 12 Maryland matchup

By Connor Muldowney

LINCOLN, NE - JANUARY 17: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans drives against Glynn Watson Jr. #5 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena on January 17, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - JANUARY 17: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans drives against Glynn Watson Jr. #5 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena on January 17, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – JANUARY 17: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to pass against Isaac Copeland Jr. #14 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena on January 17, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – JANUARY 17: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to pass against Isaac Copeland Jr. #14 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena on January 17, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

4. Xavier Tillman records first double-double since Nov. 27

For as good as Xavier Tillman’s been this season, it’s hard to believe he hasn’t recorded a double-double since Michigan State’s last loss on Nov. 27 against Louisville. He finished with 11 points and 13 rebounds as the Spartans fell in overtime.

Tillman has come close a couple of times since, recording eight points and 13 boards against Northern Illinois right before conference play kicked back up and 14 points and eight rebounds against Northwestern. He has all the tools to be a double-double machine, but plays a relatively unselfish game.

Not often do you see him looking for his own shot as he has three or more assists in five of the last seven games and hasn’t attempted more than eight shots this season.

Tom Izzo is alright with him playing that way as long as it benefits the team but you know the head coach would also be ecstatic to see a more aggressive Tillman. We will see some of that on Monday evening, especially because the Spartans will need it against Bruno Fernando in the post.

Tillman will finally record his third double-double of the season, scoring 13 points with 10 rebounds.

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