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Michigan State basketball faces all-or-nothing scenario vs. Michigan

By Connor Muldowney

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 24: Cassius Winston #5 and Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans react after a 77-70 win over the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 24, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 24: Cassius Winston #5 and Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans react after a 77-70 win over the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 24, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State basketball faces an all-or-nothing scenario in the Big Ten title race with a crucial rivalry game against Michigan.

The first time these two teams met this season, it was only the third occasion in the rivalry’s history when both teams were ranked in the top 10. We will see the fourth such matchup on Saturday evening as Michigan and Michigan State basketball square off in East Lansing.

Michigan is ready to avenge the earlier loss in Ann Arbor where Michigan State was without Nick Ward while the Spartans are expecting to end the year on a high note with the clinching of the Big Ten title on Senior Day.

There’s plenty of excitement surrounding this game as both teams are looking for that regular season title — at least a tie with Purdue. And there’s a good chance this is the most meaningful matchup between the two sides in series history.

Can Michigan State pull off the season sweep for the first time since 2015-16?

Here’s how to watch Saturday’s epic showdown in East Lansing:

Date: Saturday, March 9
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, Mich.
Venue: Breslin Center
TV: ESPN
Live Stream: WatchESPN or FuboTV

Keys to Victory

Cassius Winston must win the battle against Zavier Simpson once again if the Spartans are going to complete the regular season sweep of the Wolverines. He needs to do exactly what he did in the first matchup which means putting the ball on the floor and making Simpson work for every stop. If Winston draws fouls in the paint, splits double-teams and drives and dishes, the Spartans should emerge on top.

Defensively, keeping Jon Teske out of the paint is a huge key. He can wreak havoc when he’s down low as he did in the first few minutes of the game a couple of weeks ago. Xavier Tillman must do his best to force him to catch the ball outside the paint and work his way in. If he’s forced out, the Wolverines will become a one-dimensional team around the perimeter — outside of Simpson.

Players to Watch

Michigan has plenty of guys who can score in bunches, but the Wolverines need to make sure they’re fully healthy for this one. Charles Matthews has been hampered but could return which would make the Spartans’ lives tougher.

  • Ignas Brazdeikis: 14.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 46% FG shooting, 40% 3-point shooting
  • Jordan Poole: 12.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 38% 3-point shooting
  • Charles Matthews: 12.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 44% FG shooting
  • Jon Teske: 9.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, 52% FG shooting
  • Zavier Simpson: 9.2 points, 6.3 assists, 5.1 rebounds, 44% FG shooting
  • Isaiah Livers: 7.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 48% FG shooting, 44% 3-point shooting

Next. MSU basketball: 5 keys to victory vs. Michigan. dark

Prediction

This one is going to be like the first matchup without the late run by the Spartans. Michigan and Michigan State are going to have a back-and-forth affair which will be decided by a Kenny Goins 3-pointer in the final minute to put the Spartans up four and the Wolverines will draw closer with some big made threes again. This one will be a classic and Goins will go out on Senior Day in a way he could have only imagined.

Final Score: Michigan 71, Michigan State 72

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