Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for season-opener vs. EMU

EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 21: Aaron Henry #11 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball while defended by Jalen King #45 of the Eastern Michigan Eagles in the second half at Breslin Center on December 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 21: Michigan State Spartans bench reacts to play late in the second half of a game against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Breslin Center on December 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

1. Michigan State holds the Eagles under 50 again

One of the most underrated aspects of this Michigan State basketball team heading into the season is the defense. No one is talking about just how good the Spartans might be on that end of the floor.

Need proof? All you have to do is look at the perimeter defenders of Joshua Langford, Aaron Henry and Rocket Watts. All of those guys could be fighting for the distinction of best defensive player on the roster. And then you look at the post with a shot-blocking machine like Marcus Bingham Jr. potential defensive juggernaut like Mady Sissoko.

If Joey Hauser can improve and Malik Hall continues to grow, the defense in the post won’t take any steps back without Xavier Tillman, which is wild to say.

This defense is going to be really good and Eastern Michigan is going to find out quickly. The Spartans are going to force plenty of turnovers thanks to quick hands on the perimeter with smart defenders and that will lead to fast-break buckets and declining confidence from the Eagles.

Just like last season, Eastern Michigan will fail to reach 50 points on the Spartans.

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