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Michigan State basketball must shut down Ethan Happ in Wisconsin rematch

By Connor Muldowney

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)
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) /
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Michigan State basketball got the better of Ethan Happ and Wisconsin in the first meeting, but there needs to be a repeat of that on Saturday.

We will be seeing round two of Michigan State vs. Wisconsin on Saturday afternoon at the United Center after the Spartans beat Ohio State and the Badgers took down Nebraska.

These teams are both headed to the NCAA Tournament as many believe Michigan State will be a No. 2 seed and Wisconsin is working hard to improve its seeding. A win over the Spartans and advancement to the Big Ten Tournament final could mean a top-four seed.

Michigan State knows how to beat Wisconsin and Ethan Happ, even though it’s not going to be easy. It took down the Badgers about a month ago in Madison to keep its Big Ten title hopes above water and that sparked some momentum.

Will we see the same in the rematch against Wisconsin?

Here’s how you can watch Saturday’s Big Ten Tournament semifinal matchup against Wisconsin:

Date: Saturday, March 16
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Chicago, Ill.
Venue: United Center
TV: CBS
Live Stream: CBS Sports Live or FuboTV

Keys to Victory

While getting the post players involved will be important, getting Cassius Winston back into rhythm while also continuing to grow Foster Loyer off the bench will be priorities. The point guard position is important, but so is getting other players involved while not turning the ball over a ton against a team like Wisconsin who can hurt you in that regard.

OK, this is crucial, because it nearly worked for major underdog Nebraska, but Michigan State must shut Ethan Happ down. No, he’s not going to have a second straight four-point game with seven turnovers like he had against the Cornhuskers. When he gets the ball in the post, there’s no need for double-teams, but the guards and wings need to make his life a bit tougher by getting a hand in to try and swipe the ball and almost feel the double-team-like pressure. Make him catch the ball as far from the paint as possible.

Players to Watch

Obviously the most important player for the Badgers is Happ, but the Badgers have a number of quality role players, especially Travis Trice’s younger brother, D’Mitrik. Who should the Spartans be wary of?

  • Ethan Happ: 17.8 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 53% FG shooting
  • D’Mitrik Trice: 11.9 points, 2.5 assists, 41% 3-point shooting
  • Brad Davison: 10.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, 39% 3-point shooting
  • Nate Reuvers: 7.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 46% FG shooting
  • Khalil Iverson: 6.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, 53% FG shooting

Next. 5 bold predictions for 2019 Big Ten Tournament. dark

Prediction

Michigan State lucked out by only playing Wisconsin once this season, but that matchup took place in Madison and this time around, the Spartans get the Badgers on a neutral court. This is going to have the feel of a low-scoring, typical Big Ten defensive battle. The Spartans will build a three-point lead at the half and just maintain for the entire second half. They won’t get too high or too low and this game will hover around one possession down the stretch. In the end, Michigan State survives and advances.

Final Score: Wisconsin 60, Michigan State 65

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