Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. red-hot Minnesota

Michigan State basketball is looking to finally get back on track and a trip to Minnesota to face the red-hot Gophers could do just that.

There’s just something about this year’s Michigan State team that’s off right now. Is it the perceived lack of leadership or the lackluster defense? It’s both.

Michigan State hasn’t had anyone step up the way Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman did a year ago, putting the team on their back in times of crisis. Guys like Joshua Langford, Aaron Henry, Rocket Watts and Joey Hauser could be those leaders, but they’re just not gelling right now.

Could that change against Minnesota on Monday night?

Beating the Gophers on the road won’t be easy, with or without fans. Minnesota is a thorn every year at Williams Arena and this will be no different as the Gophers are currently 8-1 and coming off a mammoth win over Iowa in overtime. This will be another tough matchup for MSU.

Let’s get bold.

3. MSU holds Marcus Carr under 20 points

Marcus Carr is one of the best players in the Big Ten and an early candidates to take home conference player of the year honors. He’s averaging over 24 points per game and he’s been efficient, shooting over 47 percent from the floor. This kid is good.

However, Michigan State seems to have his number.

A year ago, Carr averaged just 11 points per game in two matchups with the Spartans, shooting a measly 6-of-25 from the field. A combo of Rocket Watts and Aaron Henry will lock him up again and hold him under 20 points for a third straight matchup.

Coming off a 30-point showing against Iowa, he’ll have plenty of confidence, but Michigan State’s defense will finally come to play.