Michigan State Basketball: Staff score predictions vs. No. 9 Wisconsin

Michigan State basketball is in need of a bounce-back performance on Christmas Day but No. 9 Wisconsin presents quite the test.

Tom Izzo was frustrated and confused following the Sunday night loss to Northwestern to open Big Ten play last weekend. He was confused with the performance and angry with the effort.

He wasn’t alone.

Spartan fans were also upset with the lack of fire Michigan State played with in Evanston which led to a huge upset loss. Sure, it was the Spartans’ first loss of the season but it wasn’t exactly a pretty one as MSU lost by 14 to an unranked 3-1 team with no impressive wins.

Now Wisconsin comes to town on Christmas Day. Will the Spartans get back on track or will that yearly dry-spell come a little early in 2020-21?

Connor Muldowney: It’s been a few weeks since we’ve seen Michigan State play good basketball on both ends of the floor in the same game and many are expecting another loss to Wisconsin on Friday afternoon, but the Spartans will snap out of it. Unfortunately, it still won’t be enough as the Badgers will do just enough to pick up the big road win in East Lansing. We’ll see Rocket Watts get back on track, but Micah Potter will be too much for the MSU bigs.

Final Score: Wisconsin 69, Michigan State 67

Carter Landis: Michigan State is in a cold spell recently, and they unfortunately run into one of the best defensive teams in the Big Ten. I’d be shocked to see them get it together against this Wisconsin team, and I expect the Badgers to keep rolling.

Final Score: Wisconsin 66, Michigan State 60

Jack Williams: Michigan State can’t shoot poorly forever. The Spartans will finally shoot well and will win a game against Wisconsin that’s close for the whole ride. Badgers will get a reality check and the Spartans will get some confidence back after a depressing loss against Northwestern.

Final Score: Wisconsin 77, Michigan State 81

Conner Linsner: Michigan State looks to bounce back after a tough loss to Northwestern. The Spartans had a particularly rough shooting night and Wisconsin is one of the best defensive teams in the country so it will not be easy to turn the struggles around. At the end of the day the only gift the Spartans get is coal on Christmas.

Final Score: Wisconsin 78, Michigan State 71

Stephen Robb: The Wisconsin and Michigan State game is a tale of two teams heading in different directions. MSU is still seeking to find its rotation while Badgers are clicking. This is a more balanced scoring Wisconsin team. Seniors Micah Potter and Brad Davison are key matchups for the Spartan defense. Coach Izzo must find one of his big men to step up whether its Malik Hall or Julius Marble. Sorry Spartans no Christmas miracle.

Final Score: Wisconsin 67, Michigan State 59