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Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for first battle with No. 2 Michigan

By Connor Muldowney

Feb 8, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (11) shoots on Michigan Wolverines guard Franz Wagner (21) in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2020; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (11) shoots on Michigan Wolverines guard Franz Wagner (21) in the second half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan and Michigan State basketball meet up on Thursday for the first of two battles this week to end the regular season.

Folks, it’s hate week.

In case you haven’t already realized it, Michigan State is getting set to take on Michigan twice in a four-day span to end the regular season as major underdogs. No one is giving Tom Izzo and the Spartans much of a chance to upset No. 2 Michigan, but they could spoil the Wolverines’ Big Ten title chances with a couple of wins.

It’s not going to be easy, though. Michigan is coming off a tough loss and the Wolverines will be playing angry after they were embarrassed by Illinois on their own court.

But did Illinois provide the Spartans with the blueprint on how to beat Michigan?

Can the Spartans shock the nation and pull off a massive upset?

3. Gabe Brown continues torrid streak

For about a month now, Gabe Brown looks to have turned a corner. He’s up to 7.8 points and 2.8 rebounds per game right now and he’s shooting a team-high 46 percent from 3-point range and 50 percent from the floor. All the hard work is paying off.

Over the past seven games, Gabe is averaging 9.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting 48 percent from the floor and 50 percent from deep.

That’s going to continue against the Wolverines.

There won’t be an easy matchup for Brown, but he’s mastered the catch-and-shoot 3-pointer and he’s going to get a few good looks early and a couple more late which will allow him to score in double figures again with three or four big threes. He’ll play at least 29 minutes for the sixth straight game and finish with 14 points and six rebounds.

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