Michigan State Basketball: Final score predictions for important Penn State battle

Michigan State basketball is facing an important home contest against Penn State on Tuesday night, hoping to build some momentum.

It’s that time of the season in which every single game could have an impact on your seeding or potential NCAA Tournament bubble.

Right now, Michigan State’s bubble is on the verge of bursting and the Spartans need to put together a decent winning streak in order to gain momentum heading into the month of March. If the season ended today, Michigan State wouldn’t be dancing, missing the tourney for the first time in two decades.

Luckily the season doesn’t end today and Penn State isn’t the toughest opponent the Spartans will face this year. Expect a good game on Tuesday night.

Will the Spartans win their second straight?

Connor Muldowney: This team is so hard to judge right now following a four-game losing streak, a solid showing in a loss at Iowa and then an ugly win against Nebraska. But this is a chance to really get things swinging in the right direction in true Tom Izzo mid-February fashion. Penn State isn’t what it was under Pat Chambers but the Nittany Lions still are no pushovers. The Spartans defend the perimeter well and Marcus Bingham Jr. has his first career double-double. Michigan State wins this one without too much stress.

Final Score: Penn State 67, Michigan State 78

Jack Williams: MSU will prove that its improved shooting was not a fluke and they continue to make threes against Penn State. The Spartans tournament hopes will technically stay alive as they down Penn State for their second win in a row. There’s a name for that, right? I think it’s called a “winning stroke”. Something like that.

Final Score: Penn State 63, Michigan State 76

Conner Linsner: Michigan state is coming off a win versus Nebraska where it wasn’t exactly a “win.” Yes, they scored more points than the Cornhuskers but the team looked sloppy and the play didn’t improve much. Getting a win against the Nittany Lions is crucial to making March madness. If the Spartans lose their hopes for making tournament are about completely gone. Given that, Izzo has his back on the wall and is gonna bring all he’s got.

Final Score: Penn State 64, Michigan State 74

Stephen Robb: This is going to be a tough game for MSU. Penn State has played teams close this year. They almost beat Michigan and Indiana. Myreon Jones is a sharpshooter and the Spartans must lock him down. MSU has to figure something out on offense. It’s tough season when there’s not much of an off-season. PSU plays great defense and if Michigan State puts Foster Loyer at point guard it could be trouble for the Spartans.

Final Score: Penn State 63, Michigan State 64