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

By Connor Muldowney

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)
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) /
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DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 21: Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans controls 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)
DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 21: Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans controls 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) /

3. Kenny Goins gets back on track with four threes

It’s been a rough go lately for Kenny Goins, and he knows that. He was asked about his rough patch following the 11-point win over Bradley in round one, and what was he supposed to say? He always talks about other guys stepping up and how even when he’s not playing well, there are guys like Xavier Tillman, Cassius Winston, Nick Ward and Matt McQuaid present to pick up the slack.

You can bet he’s tired of hearing about his two-game slump when he’s shot 1-for-16 from the floor and 0-for-11 from 3-point land.

Things will change against the Golden Gophers. Minnesota has played Michigan State just once this season and the Gophers were absolutely torn to shreds in that meeting. They couldn’t figure out how to stop the Michigan State offense and it usually runs through Goins at the top of the key.

But Minnesota didn’t see much of Goins in the first meeting because he suffered an injury seven minutes in and didn’t return. That will benefit the senior.

Yes, Richard Pitino has done his homework and knows Goins can step out and hit threes, but his players may relax on him too much, allowing even a little room for an open 3-pointer, or four. He’ll bounce back to shoot 4-of-7 from distance and give the Spartans’ offense much-needed boost.

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