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Michigan State Basketball: Game-by-game predictions for 2019-20 season

By Connor Muldowney

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 15: Xavier Tillman #23 and Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate after beating the Ohio State Buckeyes 77-70 during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 15: Xavier Tillman #23 and Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate after beating the Ohio State Buckeyes 77-70 during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 06: Devon Dotson #11 of the Kansas Jayhawks shoots the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the State Farm Champions Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 06: Devon Dotson #11 of the Kansas Jayhawks shoots the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the State Farm Champions Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

vs. Virginia Tech (Nov. 25), Maui Invitational first round

The Hokies had a huge 2018-19 season with a 26-9 record and a solid run in the NCAA Tournament, but losing Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kerry Blackshear Jr., Justin Robinson, Ahmed Hill and Ty Outlaw along with head coach Buzz Williams, this is likely to be a complete rebuild season. Michigan State should win this one comfortably and assert its dominance.

Final Score: Virginia Tech 62, Michigan State 84 (4-1)

vs. Georgia (Nov. 26), Maui Invitational semifinals

By beating Virginia Tech, the Spartans will advance to the Maui semifinals against Georgia which will be fresh off a win over Dayton. There will be a familiar face on the opposite bench as Tom Crean took over as head coach of the Bulldogs a couple of years ago and is trying to rebuild this team. Georgia looks like an NCAA Tournament team this season, especially with Anthony Edwards in town, but the Bulldogs are not quite contenders yet.

Final Score: Georgia 65, Michigan State 77 (5-1)

vs. No. 3 Kansas (Nov. 27), Maui Invitational title game

Kansas beat Michigan State a season ago in the Champions Classic and you can bet the Spartans haven’t forgotten. The Jayhawks utilized some impressive transfers and Udoka Azubuike to take down the Spartans, but two out of three of those problems are gone. Michigan State and Kansas usually play each other close and this one will be no different. The title game for the Maui Invitational will be just what the sponsors wanted: a top-five matchup that goes down to the wire. Cassius Winston comes up with the clutch plays, though.

Final Score: Kansas 76, Michigan State 80 (6-1)

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