Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for rematch with No. 15 Iowa

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Feb 2, 2021; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes center Luka Garza (55) goes to the basket against Michigan State Spartans forward Marcus Bingham Jr. (30) during the first half at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Marcus Bingham Jr. has his best game of the season

What an interesting year it’s been for Marcus Bingham Jr. He started the season hot with 12 blocks in his first five games and he played at least 10 minutes in each of his first six outings. He then went five consecutive games without playing 10 minutes, including a combined six minutes against Minnesota, Nebraska and Rutgers.

Since that rough stretch, he’s played at least 10 minutes in five of the past six games. He even recorded a season-high 19 minutes against Penn State and he finished with another season-best nine rebounds. He also added six points and a block while altering even more shots.

Bingham Jr.’s defense has been a major difference-maker in recent games and it looks like he’s picking up some confidence which has been a long time coming.

With another shot to prove himself against Luka Garza, Bingham Jr. is going to have his best game of the season. I predicted he’d get a double-double last game and I was just off by a couple of buckets and one rebound so I’m not going to say that much, but he will break 10 rebounds with at least five points and 3-4 blocks.

If Michigan State pulls off the upset, Bingham Jr. is going to have a big hand in it.

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