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) /

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DES MOINES, IOWA – MARCH 21: Elijah Childs #10 of the Bradley Braves defends a shot by Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans 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 Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Nick Ward bounces back with double-double

Matchups have kept Nick Ward on the bench against teams like Michigan and Bradley and he played minimally in his first two games back versus Wisconsin and Ohio State because of conditioning as well as foul trouble, but he’ll be relied on heavily against the Golden Gophers.

If there’s anyone who can match up with Jordan Murphy comfortably, it’s Ward.

Xavier Tillman would be a perfect matchup for Daniel Oturu and Kenny Goins can switch onto both, but won’t provide the same height, or strength.

Ward will be on the floor against Minnesota more than he has since he returned from his injury. He’ll play about 20 minutes and finish with his first double-double since Jan. 24 at Iowa.

The junior big man is itching to get his normal role back and Saturday’s game will be a good first step as he finishes with 17 points and 11 rebounds, giving the Spartans a low-post game against the Gophers.

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