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Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for massive game at Purdue

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 09: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after making a three-point shot during the second half of the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Breslin Center on January 9, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 09: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after making a three-point shot during the second half of the game against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Breslin Center on January 9, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State basketball travels to West Lafayette to take on a Purdue team that can cause problems. Will the Spartans come out on top?

One year ago, Michigan State went into West Lafayette with an 18-2 overall record and 9-0 mark in conference play but Purdue jumped all over the Spartans, taking a 23-point lead with 13 minutes left in the game.

“Overrated” chants rained from the stands as the No. 6 Spartans were getting run off the court. And then something clicked. Michigan State went on a 24-5 run, but Purdue closed the door late, winning by 10. It was enough to silence the crowd, but there’s still a cloud hanging over the Spartans every time they travel to Mackey Arena as they haven’t won there since 2013-14.

Michigan State is gearing up for its biggest road game of the season thus far on Sunday, so what can we expect?

3. Spartans record 10 blocks

If there’s one area defensively that the Spartans have excelled this season, it would have to be rim protection. Sure, some teams have had success earlier in the season down low, but the Spartans have been slamming the door shut on opponents in recent weeks, even shutting down Kofi Cockburn of Illinois and stymying Daniel Oturu despite his 22 points.

A big reason for that success is the rise of Xavier Tillman on both ends of the floor and he’s recorded at least four blocks in the past three games and three blocks over the past five.

Marcus Bingham Jr., too, has a newfound confidence that he gained against Illinois on the defensive end. His offense will come, but the defensive side of the ball has been a strength for him recently. He has eight blocks and 24 rebounds over the past three games, including a huge five-block, 12-rebound performance against the Illini.

Both will have big games against Purdue and they’ll make life very difficult for Trevion Williams and Matt Haarms when they try to take advantage of their size in the post.

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