Michigan State basketball gets one final non-conference test vs. WMU
There’s one game standing between Michigan State basketball and Big Ten play. How will the Spartans handle Western Michigan on Sunday?
Riding a four-game winning streak following a disappointing loss to Duke in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge, Michigan State is getting set to close out non-conference play on Sunday night against in-state foe Western Michigan.
The Broncos have won three straight games after losing by 10 to Oakland — a team Michigan State handled in Detroit. On the season, Western Michigan is 7-5 overall while the Spartans are searching for their 10th win with three losses to Virginia Tech, Duke and Kentucky.
Getting a week off after last week’s 101-48 win over Eastern Michigan is not only welcomed but needed as this team just needs a mental reset.
Big Ten play is approaching, but this is the Spartans’ last tune-up opportunity before facing Illinois on Jan. 2 followed by Michigan on Jan. 5.
Here’s how you can watch Sunday’s game:
Date: Sunday, Dec. 29
Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, Mich.
Venue: Breslin Center
TV: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: FOX Sports Go
Keys to Victory
Western Michigan has two guys — Michael Flowers and Brandon Johnson — who average over 15 points per game, so containing them and making other guys step up will be big for the defense, but even if they reach their averages, limiting one of those “breakout” performers will be important. No more Boo Buie-type of performances off the bench. Western doesn’t shoot the ball well at all, so not allowing easy buckets by the rim will make for a long day for the Broncos.
Offensively, run the offense through Xavier Tillman. While you might be wondering why it shouldn’t run through Cassius and that’s because it’s time to get Tillman involved in the post whether it’s scoring with his back to the basket or dishing it to open teammates on the perimeter or Marcus Bingham Jr. and Thomas Kithier on the opposite block. When he touches the ball a ton, Michigan State has plenty of success.
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Prediction
I’m going to give the nod here to Michigan State not only because it’s the much better team but also because the Spartans got a week off to prepare. A nice break is good for the mentality as well as health of the team. Cassius should come back refreshed and continue his hot streak while guys like Gabe Brown, Aaron Henry and Xavier Tillman will be fresh and Rocket Watts should finally be healthy. This team is getting back to full strength (without Josh Langford, of course) and that’s bad news for all opponents.
Final Score: Western Michigan 58, Michigan State 83