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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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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Foster Loyer #3 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to pass the ball while defended by Geo Baker #0 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the first half at Breslin Center on February 20, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Foster Loyer #3 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to pass the ball while defended by Geo Baker #0 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the first half at Breslin Center on February 20, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

vs. Rutgers (Dec. 8)

Before the Spartans can finish non-conference play, they’ll host Rutgers to kick off the Big Ten regular season — the conference added two December games a couple of years ago to start league action early. The Scarlet Knights almost had the Spartans in East Lansing last season, but don’t expect the same close contest this time around. Michigan State is going to be rolling after an emotional win over Duke and there’ll be no letdown here even if Geo Baker is a usual thorn in this team’s side.

Final Score: Rutgers 56, Michigan State 77 (8-1, 1-0 Big Ten)

at Oakland (Dec. 14)

One of these years, Oakland is going to rise up and beat Michigan State. The Golden Grizzlies give the Spartans a tough enough time as it is, but they lost some talented players such as Jaevin Cumberland and Braden Norris. Xavier Hill-Mais is going to be the only guy on the roster who will give Michigan State a tough time, but he can’t beat the Spartans by himself. Oakland will just be overmatched this time around and Greg Kampe will have to wait another year to get that chance at an upset.

Final Score: Michigan State 84, Oakland 61 (9-1)

at Northwestern (Dec. 18)

You have to feel bad for Northwestern basketball at some point. The Wildcats made the NCAA Tournament in 2017 for the first time in school history and then were supposed to just continue getting better, but that didn’t happen as they’ve missed for two straight seasons, including a horrid 13-19 campaign in 2018-19. There might be more Michigan State fans than Northwestern fans in attendance for this one. This should be no contest.

Final Score: Michigan State 86, Northwestern 57 (10-1, 2-0)

vs. Eastern Michigan (Dec. 21)

Not expected to be a contender in the MAC after a 15-17 season last year and while losing four starters, Eastern Michigan comes to the Breslin Center right before Christmas. Unfortunately for the Eagles, Santa will be bringing them a lump of coal in the form of a blowout loss.

Final Score: Eastern Michigan 53, Michigan State 79 (11-1)

vs. Western Michigan (Dec. 29)

And Michigan State rounds out non-conference play with Western Michigan at the Breslin Center and this one should be a blowout, too. Like Eastern, Western Michigan is expected to finish near the bottom of the MAC West standings, especially after going 8-24 last season. The Spartans may overlook the Broncos early on, but they will run away with a win here. It might get ugly in the second half.

Final Score: Western Michigan 48, Michigan State 80 (12-1)

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