Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for Week 16 Rutgers battle

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 09: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his made basket with Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Breslin Center on February 9, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

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MADISON, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 12: Ethan Happ #22 of the Wisconsin Badgers dribbles the ball while being guarded by Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at the Kohl Center on February 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

4. Xavier Tillman finishes with double-double

The first game without Nick Ward is going to be an important one for sophomore big man and presumed replacement and Xavier Tillman is going to respond accordingly.

What better way to prove you’re ready to take over in the starting lineup than by putting up an impressive double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds? This should put the fan base, as well as Tom Izzo, at ease, knowing that Tillman is still capable of these types of games despite being a sixth man all season.

It’s been a while since his last double-double, actually. You’d have to go back all the way to Nov. 27, the game before the Spartans took on Rutgers the first time.

Against Rutgers following his last double-double, Tillman posted 11 points and eight rebounds. Expect those numbers to grow this time out.

For a player with Tillman’s skill level and potential, it’s hard to believe he has just two double-doubles this season. That number will become three on Wednesday night.

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