Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for Indiana battle in Week 13

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 21: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Ivan Bender #13 of the Maryland Terrapins in the first half at Breslin Center on January 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 23: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans dunks against the Texas Longhorns during the championship game of the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

2. Nick Ward leads all scorers, grabs 11 rebounds

Nick Ward is coming off his second tough contest in the past three games, scoring just nine points in a losing effort against Purdue. He seemed to struggle in the post against Trevion Williams just two games after being held scoreless at home against Maryland.

The 2018-19 version of Ward is much different than the sophomore year version. Last year, his emotions may have gotten the best of him after a stretch like this and he may have shut down, but this time around, he will work hard to figure things out. He’s more of a perfectionist this season and he’s been working hard to get better in just about every facet of the game.

The junior big man will have his work cut out for him in the post on Saturday evening, but he’s going to rebound in a big way, scoring 23 points with 11 rebounds, leading all scorers.

Michigan State could use this type of performance every night from him moving forward after hearing the news of Josh Langford’s season-ending injury and this will be a good start and sturdy base for momentum.

Home/Spartans Basketball