Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. No. 16 Rutgers

Dec 8, 2019; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (11) brings the ball up court against Rutgers Scarlet Knights forward Akwasi Yeboah (1) during the second half of a game at the Breslin Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 2, 2021; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo reacts to a play in the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Michigan State wins a one-possession game

One thing I do know about Tuesday’s game at the Breslin Center is that it’s going to be tight. Michigan State hasn’t truly lived up to its potential this season for consistent stretches and even if the Spartans get a comfortable lead at any point against Rutgers, it’s going to disappear within a couple of minutes.

Once this team finds consistency for entire game, the Big Ten could be in trouble. We don’t know if that’ll happen at all this year, though.

Michigan State will finally get off to a decent start here and play solid defense for the first few minutes, but Rutgers will go on a run and take a small lead into the break. Michigan State comes out and swipes the lead back and the rest of the game will be back-and-forth.

Tom Izzo’s lineup changes will still happen quite as he tries to do his best mad scientist impression, figuring out what works and what doesn’t. We’ll see plenty of the freshmen while Aaron Henry, Joey Hauser and Rocket Watts all approach 30 minutes each.

The Spartans find a way to get key stops down the stretch and make free throws to win a close one, 75-72.

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