Michigan State Basketball: Staff score predictions vs. No. 16 Rutgers

Michigan State basketball hosts Rutgers for a ranked battle on Tuesday night. Can the Spartans end a dry-spell with a second straight win?

Tom Izzo is hoping for some better fortune than Mel Tucker against Rutgers this season as the Spartans host the Scarlet Knights in a big ranked battle on Tuesday night.

Although the Spartans have been struggling for a few weeks now, there’s a feeling that this team is far too talented to remain “mediocre” like the way they’ve been playing. This team has depth and talent to keep up with anyone in the Big Ten and they can prove that on Tuesday.

Is our staff optimistic about this ranked battle?

Connor Muldowney: Aaron Henry is fresh off his best game as a Spartan and that’s going to give him some confidence moving forward. It looks like he got his shot back on track against Nebraska and that’s going to carry over into Tuesday night as he’ll drop 20 points again while AJ Hoggard runs a clean game at point. Michigan State is going to find itself in a back-and-forth battle with another ranked Big Ten foe, but unlike the Wisconsin game, the Spartans will hold on to win a close one here against Rutgers.

Final Score: Rutgers 72, Michigan State 75

Jack Williams: Neither of these teams should realistically be ranked. It’s hard to say who has the edge, so in the spirit of the holiday season, I’m picking MSU to win a close one. It won’t be pretty, but Joey Hauser will lead the Spartans in points and bring home a victory.

Final Score: Rutgers 69, Michigan State 73

Carter Landis: Rutgers is good and Michigan State got back on track with a win against Nebraska. Izzo’s team is starting to find an identity, led by Aaron Henry. Ron Harper Jr will be a tough out, but the Spartans will get it done.

Final Score: Rutgers 64, Michigan State 68

Conner Linsner: Michigan State finally got their first conference win against Nebraska. They are going to have to play very well against Rutgers to win. I see it being a close game with A.J. Hoggard racking up the assists to Joey Hauser and Aaron Henry. Spartans plays well fought battle and barely get a win.

Final Score: Rutgers 68, Michigan State 71

Stephen Robb: Michigan State takes on a good Rutgers team. Coach Izzo is still trying to figure out his rotation. Putting AJ Hoggard in helps, however, they lack the frontcourt to match up down low. MSU will keep it close but Rutgers wins.

Final Score: Rutgers 74, Michigan State 67