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Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for top-10 matchup with Michigan

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 13: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play during a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 13: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play during a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Xavier Tilman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans and AAron Henry #11 of the Michigan State Spartans battle for a loose ball against Myles Johnson #15 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the first half at Breslin Center on February 20, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Xavier Tilman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans and AAron Henry #11 of the Michigan State Spartans battle for a loose ball against Myles Johnson #15 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the first half at Breslin Center on February 20, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

3. Neither team will reach 70 points

Defense will lead the way in this one as both teams will find buckets difficult to come by.

The Spartans have been playing some of their best defense of the season in recent weeks and Michigan has arguably been the top defensive squad in the Big Ten this season. To top that off, Michigan State is without its second and third leading scorers and Michigan has struggled offensively at times.

It’s a perfect storm of components that will make this one of the lowest scoring games of Michigan State’s season as neither team will hit the 70-point mark. I’ll go one step further and say one team will be held under 65 points.

Like football, when you think of Michigan vs. Michigan State, you think of an intense defensive battle. We’ll see much of the same on the hardwood as each team prides itself on that end of the floor.

And there just aren’t enough scorers to make a shootout happen.

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