Michigan State Basketball: Staff score predictions for Minnesota road battle

Michigan State basketball is looking to get back on track versus Minnesota, but do the Spartans have a big road win in them?

Michigan State is struggling right now and the only cure would be a win no matter the opponent. Well, on Monday night, the opponent will be another underrated Big Ten squad as the Spartans travel to face 8-1 Minnesota at Williams Arena.

The Spartans are fresh off two losses in Big Ten play to a surprising Northwestern team that’s now ranked No. 19 in the country after a 3-0 start in league play and No. 9 Wisconsin.

Minnesota, on the other hand, is coming off its biggest win of the season which was an overtime triumph over No. 4 Iowa.

Does our staff foresee a bounce-back win?

Connor Muldowney: I think this is going to be another tight game for the Spartans and people don’t realize just how scary Minnesota can be when Marcus Carr is on his game — which has been basically every contest this year. Rocket Watts will play well on him and he’ll have his best game of the season, posting a season-high 25 points and helping keep Carr under 20 points. This will be close until the end, especially because of another slow start, but MSU will finally find a way to win.

Final Score: Michigan State 77, Minnesota 74

Jack Williams: Michigan State can’t possibly keep losing, right? This game will see the Spartans finally add a tally to their Big Ten win total. Poor play in the past couple of games will make way for an inspired performance from MSU, leading to a blowout victory.

Final Score: Michigan State 87, Minnesota 66

Carter Landis: They’ll get back on track, but Minnesota won’t make it easy. the defense is going to have to be much better, but Marcus Carr is going to give them all he’s got. I think Michigan State escapes in a close one.

Final Score: Michigan State 83. Minnesota 80

Stephen Robb: MSU lost to Wisconsin and while Coach Izzo was optimistic after the loss, I am not. This team seems lost. The rotation woes are not helping. The Spartans play Minnesota so maybe the Gophers could be the cure? Think again. Yes, their coach is still Richard Pitino but this is a talented Gopher team. The Spartans don’t have that guy or even a duo. It almost appears there is a leadership vacuum in East Lansing.

Final Score: Michigan State 69, Minnesota 77

Conner Linsner: MSU is coming off two straight losses. Minnesota just knocked off a top team in the country in Iowa. You might think Minnesota gives the Spartans a fun for their money, but they won’t. Tom Izzo gets the squad back on track with a big win led by point guard Rocket Watts.

Final Score: Michigan State 83, Minnesota 69