Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for Ohio State rematch

4 of 5

EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 21: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans during a game against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies in the second half at Breslin Center on December 21, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

2. Nick Ward out-duels Kaleb Wesson

The first time Michigan State and Ohio State played, Kaleb Wesson out-dueled Nick Ward. It wasn’t by much, but the Buckeyes’ sophomore forward finished with 25 points and eight rebounds while Ward had 21 points with eight boards of his own. It was essentially an even match, but most outsiders would have given the edge to Wesson even though his team did lose and he fouled out.

Ward has momentum this time around. He’s coming off arguably his best defensive performance of the season against Ethan Happ as he held the Big Ten Player of the Year candidate to just 10-of-20 shooting — most of his makes came in the second half — and he made the Wisconsin senior’s life miserable.

Though he scored just 12 points of his own, Ward’s defensive dominance will lead to a more confident player throughout the season and if he can repeat that effort against Wesson, which I’m predicting, I think we could see the emergence of potentially the best big in the conference for 2019-2020 — assuming he stays.

This battle between Wesson and Ward will be won by the latter and he’ll score 22 points with 11 rebounds, finishing with two more blocks and a stifling defensive showing on the Ohio State sophomore.

Ward wins this duel with a double-double and stingy defense.

Home/Spartans Basketball