Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Minnesota in Round of 32

Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Minnesota in NCAA Tournament

DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 21: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives with the ball against the Bradley Braves during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 21, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

2 of 5

DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 21: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament against the Bradley Braves at Wells Fargo Arena on March 21, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

4. Perimeter defense takes center stage

We all saw what Minnesota did to Louisville in the opening round to pull off an impressive upset of the Cardinals. The Gophers veered away from their normal ‘pound the post and drive’ mentality and stepped out to the perimeter to make some clutch 3-pointers.

The most prominent long-range specialist for the Gophers is freshman Gabe Kalscheur who is making 42 percent of his shots from distance this season. He gave the Spartans a tough time the last time these two teams met and he’ll be looking to repeat his performances from that meeting as well as the opening round win against Louisville.

Michigan State, however, will lock down the perimeter as the defense from around the arc will take center stage and force the Gophers to go inside more.

Sure, Minnesota has guys who can score around the rim such as Daniel Oturu, Jordan Murphy and a driving Amir Coffey, but the 3-point game is going to be cancelled out.

Expect the Gophers to finish with less than six 3-point makes in this one.

Home/Spartans Basketball