Michigan State basketball needs to set tone early vs. Northwestern

Michigan State basketball faces off against the Northwestern Wildcats on Sunday evening in search of their seventh consecutive victory.

With both teams coming into this game off a victory, it’s safe to say each side feels that they have enough momentum to open up their Big Ten play with a victory.

Let’s take a look at the two teams’ previous performances.

Michigan State

In their game against the Oakland Grizzlies, the Spartans struggled defensively in the first half. When the second half came around, they pulled their act together, and ultimately pulled away from the Grizzlies, winning the contest by a score of 109-91.

Head coach Tom Izzo must have been happy as he had seven of his players score double-digits. Gabe Brown led the way with 20 points, Aaron Henry had 15 points, Joshua Langford had 13, Joey Hauser had 10, A.J. Hoggard scored 10, Foster Loyer had 10 and Malik Hall had 10.

Overall, the Spartans performed well, leaving fans optimistic they can translate this momentum into a victory over the Wildcats.

Northwestern

The Northwestern Wildcats are fresh off a win over the Quincy Hawks, a contest in which they won 100-48. Sitting at 3-1, the Wildcats also look to open up their conference play with a victory.

Something that should excite Spartan fans is the fact that the Wildcats have not played a top 25 opponent yet. The best team they have played so far has been the Pittsburgh Panthers, a team to which they lost.

Sunday will be the first time they see a top 25, let alone a top-five, team in the nation.

Prediction

To predict a Spartans loss on Sunday would be foolish. Look for the Izzo and Co. to defeat the Wildcats with ease.

Prediction: Michigan State 87, Northwestern 65