Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for critical Illinois battle
Michigan State basketball is hungry for a win, but will it come on Tuesday night against a scrappy young Illinois team in Champaign?
Losing its second straight game for the first time this season, Michigan State knew that it didn’t come prepared to take care of a struggling Indiana team at home. The Spartans may be the better, more talented team, but the Hoosiers wanted it more.
That loss hurt, and the Spartans fell from a potential top-five spot to No. 9 in the AP Poll and they’ve pulled into a first-place tie with Purdue and Michigan in the Big Ten standings.
In order to avoid a truly out-of-control losing streak, the Spartans must handle Illinois on Tuesday night in Champaign — not the easiest place to play.
It’s time to get bold ahead of Tuesday night’s big game.
5. Spartans hold Illinois under 65 points
Prior to this recent two-game skid, Michigan State had held its previous five opponents to under 70 points, and four of them under 65 points. Three of those teams failed to score 60 and Michigan State’s defense was gaining serious momentum.
In the past two games, the Spartans have allowed at least 70. When Michigan State allows at least 70 points this season, it’s just 3-4.
Illinois is going to feel the wrath of an angry Michigan State defense.
The Spartans are going to crack down on perimeter scoring all night long as the Illini will struggle to find open shots — though, of course, there will be a handful of contested long-range jumpers that fall.
On top of that, Michigan State will have another block party for those brave Illini who try to take to the paint to score. The Spartans swatted a ton of shots against the Hoosiers and will control the post yet again.
Michigan State will hold the Illini to under 65 points on their home court.