Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. No. 9 Maryland

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CHAMPAIGN, IL – FEBRUARY 11: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket against Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at State Farm Center on February 11, 2020 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

1. Michigan State puts together a complete 40 minutes

When you look at the past few weeks, Michigan State has struggled to put together a complete 40 minutes. That was never more evident than on Tuesday night at Illinois.

In fact, the Spartans held a 20-point lead over the Illini after dominating the first half but they stormed back in the final 12 minutes of the game. Michigan State played great basketball for 28 minutes but the Illini won the final 12 with the exception of the final 20 seconds when a timeout play drew up an iso for Cassius Winston whose missed layup led to a game-winning Xavier Tillman dunk.

That was just the latest in a series of incomplete games such as a loss to Michigan where the Spartans put together a strong stretch to start the second half only to crumble in the final 10 minutes, a Penn State loss where Michigan State started hot and then withered away shortly thereafter and then came back only to fall short at home and a Wisconsin defeat where the Badgers had a big lead early before a major comeback — the Spartans lost by one.

On Saturday, the Spartans will finally put together a complete effort for 40 minutes, leading to a big win over the Terrapins. While they may not win by double figures, they will play well enough to come out on top and do so in impressive fashion.

Next. 3 takeaways from MSU's much-needed win at Illinois. dark

This win will improve Michigan State to 18-8 and pull them one game closer to first place in the Big Ten standings with a second straight triumph over a ranked opponent.

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