Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. No. 12 Michigan

1. Game comes down to final minute

With or without Isaiah Livers, this one is going to be close.

I know, I know, I was wrong about the Michigan State vs. Illinois game which I said was going to be close until the final minute and would come down to the wire, but this one is different. It’s a rivalry game with a chance for Michigan to knock the Spartans from the ranks of the unbeaten in Big Ten play — actually, Michigan State is the only undefeated team in Big Ten play left.

Liver is probably going to play because that’s just how injuries go. He went from being doubtful to questionable and I’d assume he’ll be a game-time decision which makes this one all the more interesting.

Both teams know how to score, too. I’d say this year’s Michigan team is much better offensively than last year’s although the defense may not be quite as dominant.

This one will come down to the final minute as Cassius Winston hits a go-ahead layup with 45 seconds left and Michigan misses the ensuing jumper to give the Spartans the ball back with a couple of free throws coming.

That’ll be all they need as they head into the second week of the new year with a 4-0 record in conference play.