Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for dangerous Purdue battle

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 08: Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after a second half timeout was called with Foster Loyer #3 while playing the Purdue Boilermakers at Breslin Center on January 08, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 77-59. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 21: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket during a game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in the first half at Breslin Center on December 21, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

1. Matt McQuaid hits big three late to give MSU the lead for good

Remember when I said Michigan State will make about 45 percent of its threes on the night? Well, the biggest one will come with about a minute left and the Spartans down one.

Cassius Winston will feed Nick Ward in the post and he will draw the usual double, forcing him to kick it back out to Kenny Goins who will draw Matt McQuaid’s defender to avoid an open three and then the senior forward will slide it over to the sharpshooting captain in the corner.

Like he did against Iowa, McQuaid will show no hesitation, getting his shot up with some space and he’ll drain it in the corner, showing more emotion than we’ve seen from him all year as it goes through the bottom of the net.

That three will give the Spartans a two-point lead which they will hang on to for the remainder of the game and they may win by the slimmest of margins, but will have McQuaid’s long-range jumper to thank.

Next. MSU football: 5 reasons to be optimistic about 2019 season. dark

Michigan State will improve to 10-0 in Big Ten play and 19-2 overall, winning 14 straight games on the season and recording that rare three-win week.

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