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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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MADISON, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 12: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on February 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 12: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on February 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

2. Cassius Winston overcomes Zavier Simpson mental roadblock

The last two times these two teams have met — actually the past three if you look back at the 2016-17 blowout — Cassius Winston has struggled.

Why has he had such a tough time with the Wolverines? Two words: Zavier Simpson. The Michigan point guard is one of the best defenders in the conference and he has Winston’s number. He held the Michigan State point guard to a couple of lackluster offensive showings last season as he just couldn’t get his shot going.

Simpson has only gotten better on the defensive end, but the same could be said for Cassius’ offense as he’s up for Big Ten Player of the Year.

The mental roadblock that Simpson provides may be the last thing standing in Winston’s way of the award and on Sunday, he’s going to overcome his nemesis.

I’m not saying Winston is going to have the game of his career, but he’ll have a typical Cassius game with 18 points and seven assists on 40-plus percent shooting with a few 3-pointers. It won’t feel as if Simpson is the clear winner of the matchup this time and Winston may shoot to the top of the player of the year race if he’s not there already.

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