Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for key game vs. Iowa

By Nate Rhoades

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 15: Cassius Winston #5 and Kyle Ahrens #0 of the Michigan State Spartans talk in the second half of the game against the Maryland Terrapins at the Breslin Center on February 15, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 15: Cassius Winston #5 and Kyle Ahrens #0 of the Michigan State Spartans talk in the second half of the game against the Maryland Terrapins at the Breslin Center on February 15, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Michigan State basketball will host Iowa on Tuesday night for a crucial Big Ten battle which could have serious postseason implications.

Michigan State is coming off a much-needed road win against Nebraska. The Spartans had guys step up and play within their role. There was finally a competition for the third scoring option. They did a lot of things well even with the sloppy play they displayed.

The Spartans will need to continue this on Tuesday when the Iowa Hawkeyes come to town. Here are three bold predictions for this key game.

3. MSU will win the battle of the boards

On paper, this might not look like a bold prediction, however Michigan State has struggled to overcome the rebounding deficit in the last few games. When it comes to a big guy down low, Michigan State has fallen short of showing their strength and their ability to box out. So that’s what makes this a bold prediction. Especially since they will not only win the battle at the boards by a slight margin, they will obliterate the Hawkeyes on the glass.

The Spartans will be plus-15 on the boards at the end of the game and plus-six in the offensive rebounding category. This toughness will prove to be crucial in this game keeping the game close for all 40 minutes.

2. Cassius Winston will have a monster game

Cassius Winston will be typical Cassius Winston in this one for the Spartans. He will end the night with a points and assists double-double. He will finish shooting the ball around 60 percent. He’ll finish with 32 points and 11 assists.

Cassius will need to have this monster game to give him the confidence in the remaining slate. He’ll also show people he is more deserving of the Wooden Award. Cassius will ultimately not get enough support from his role players but he will have a great game.

1. Luka Garza will be held in check

This is the major one. Luka Garza will be held in check. He’ll be held below his average as he’s currently averaging 24 points a game but he will struggle early. Garza will pick up an early foul and then his second one will come later in the first half resulting in him having to sit from a decent amount of this first half.

The second half will be better for him but not much because he will finish with only 18 points and five rebounds. He will not be present that much because Xavier Tillman will be in his mind all game long. Garza will not be able to find his rhythm and struggle mightily.

Next. 3 reasons Mel Tucker will get MSU back on track. dark

However, with Garza struggling and Winston having a career game, the Iowa Hawkeyes will still squeak out a close win on the road. The Hawkeye role players and bench will have a much better game as Michigan State will not get needed help from Aaron Henry, Gabe Brown, Kyle Ahrens or Rocket Watts. Joe Wieskamp will have an exceptional game as will to lift the Hawkeyes above the Spartans.

Prediction: Iowa 75,  MSU 67

Home/Spartans Basketball