Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. pesky Purdue team

While Michigan State basketball is favored to beat Purdue on Friday night, the Boilermakers give the Spartans their best shot every season.

Every year, Purdue gives Michigan State a tough battle. No matter how well or poorly the Boilermakers are playing, they’re always taking the Spartans down to the wire.

This year will be no different.

Purdue is coming into Friday’s game with a 7-5 overall record and 2-3 mark in conference play, just like the Spartans. They have been in almost every conference battle they’ve played — other than a blowout loss at Iowa. In the Boilermakers’ last two losses, they lost at Rutgers by five points and at Iowa by eight. Two single-digit road losses to ranked teams? Not too shabby.

Now they’re going to give Michigan State a battle despite the Spartans finding their footing with back-to-back wins after a three-game losing skid.

What could take place on Friday night in East Lansing?

3. Michigan State shoots 45 percent from 3-point range

Every time Michigan State travels to Mackey Arena, the Boilermakers seem to have their best shooting night of the season. It’s time to return the favor.

Although home-court advantage has been watered down this season with no fans, Michigan State has some serious momentum right now after a road win against Nebraska and 23-point home blowout of No. 15 Rutgers. The Spartans need to get off to a hot start like they did against Rutgers on Tuesday night and shooting well from deep would be one way to do it.

Joshua Langford finished the Rutgers game shooting well and Joey Hauser made his last 3-point attempt after an ice-cold shooting night. The same can be said for Rocket Watts and Aaron Henry shot well all night. We’re going to see all of these guys playing with confidence, unafraid to shoot from deep and at an efficient rate.

Michigan State finishes the night with a 45 percent shooting rate from 3-point land.