Michigan State Basketball: Final score predictions vs. Detroit Mercy

Michigan State basketball is back in action on Friday night, facing a Detroit Mercy team that has yet to play a game this season.

A 3-0 start to the season has never looked so good. Tom Izzo’s team lost Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman from a Big Ten title-winning squad and it hasn’t mattered.

In fact, the Spartans opened the year with a blowout of Eastern Michigan, followed by a comfortable win over Notre Dame and then a statement win at Duke. This team looks stronger than it was last season and well ahead of schedule.

On Friday night, the Spartans welcome Detroit Mercy to East Lansing. The Titans have yet to play a game this season but the Spartans could be overlooking them.

How does the Spartan Avenue staff see this one playing out?

Connor Muldowney: Coming off a huge win over Duke, there’s always that worry that a hangover will occur, but the Spartans will avoid it against a Detroit Mercy team that has yet to play a single game in 2020-21. Antoine Davis is an elite scorer, but the Michigan State defense will shut him down as Rocket Watts goes off for 20 points again and Aaron Henry continues his torrid start to the season.

Final Score: Detroit Mercy 49, Michigan State 81

Stephen Robb: Antoine Davis is a force to be reckoned with. He shoots a great 3-point percentage and has been in the top six of shooters nationally for two years. The Spartan defense needs to shut him down. Head coach Mike Davis has big improvement this year from Dwayne Rose Jr. a nephew of Derrick Rose. This is the Titans first game. I expect MSU to crush them. They showed great resilience and team chemistry against Duke.

Final Score: Detroit Mercy 65, Michigan State 82

Jack Williams: For the first time all year, the Spartans will play a complete basketball game. They’ll shoot well, pass well, and defend well. Led by Aaron Henry, this team will have their best game all year. They’ll do no wrong and we’ll finally get to see some extensive playing time from the younger members of the team.

Final Score: Detroit Mercy 57, Michigan State 88

Carter Landis: I have no doubt that this game won’t be close in the slightest. UDM is not good enough to hang with MSU at all and they will be riding high off the momentum from Duke. No chance MSU gets caught looking ahead to Virginia.

Final Score: Detroit Mercy 59, Michigan State 89

Conner Linsner: After a fantastic team win against Duke, Michigan State will look to build off of an impressive win. Joey Hauser and the rest of the deep frontcourt for MSU will be a lot to handle for the Titian’s. Antoine Davis is a talented scorer, but his offense won’t be enough to keep Detroit Mercy in the game. Spartans win big.

Final Score: Detroit Mercy 60, Michigan State 91