Michigan State Basketball: Final score predictions vs. No. 4 Ohio State

Another opportunity presents itself in East Lansing for Michigan State basketball on Thursday night. Will the Spartans impress yet again?

Right when we thought it was OK to give up on the 2020-21 season and look forward to next fall, Michigan State has gone out and completely restored hope. The NCAA Tournament is no longer a “zero chance” destination for the Spartans.

After beating Indiana on the road and then upsetting No. 5 Illinois, the Spartans get another opportunity to add to that resume with No. 4 Ohio State coming to town.

A win would go a long way for this team. Not only would a win get Michigan State closer to bubble talk, but it would probably put the Spartans on the right side of the bubble. A loss would make the remainder of the schedule almost all must-win games.

Can the Spartans pull off a second straight top-five upset?

Connor Muldowney: Here I am drinking the green Kool-Aid again. I was ready to give up on the rest of the season after the Purdue loss last week, but the Indiana win piqued my interest. Now the Illinois victory has me 100 percent drawn in. It’s fun to care again but it’s also stressful. Michigan State hasn’t dealt with stressful situations well this season but the team looks to have turned the corner in the past week. Aaron Henry is stepping up as a leader and Joshua Langford has been reborn. This team is going to exact a little revenge on Ohio State in a thriller.

Final Score: Ohio State 70, Michigan State 73

Conner Linsner: Ohio State got Michigan State’s number the last time they met. The Spartans have now won two in a row and are, maybe, hitting their stride. A couple of nice wings won’t get my hopes up against they Buckeyes. Give me Ohio State, and give me them big.

Final Score: Ohio State 89, Michigan State 77

Carter Landis: If I keep picking against MSU, they’ll keep winning. I may or may not believe this, for real. Ohio State has a bit of a porous defense, so if MSU’s offense plays well, they can make it a game, but I just feel like Ohio State will never let them.

Final Score: Ohio State 76, Michigan State 68

Jack Williams: The Spartans are playing their best basketball since before the pandemic. Ohio State is missing a key contributor in Kyle Young and won’t be able to compete with Michigan State, who has their best talent on the wing. It won’t be as comfortable as Illinois, but MSU’s improbable March will continue to College Park, Maryland.

Final Score: Ohio State 69, Michigan State 71

Stephen Robb: Michigan State did what I didn’t think they could: they beat a top-five team. Senior Josh Langford made a huge difference in his play and leadership. Coach Izzo’s lineup was on point. These are the reasons I believe MSU can beat OSU.

Final Score: Ohio State 61, Michigan State 64