Michigan State Basketball: Final score predictions for play-in game vs. UCLA

The Spartan Avenue staff gives their best predictions for the play-in game between Michigan State basketball and UCLA on Thursday night.

What a way to kick off the NCAA Tournament. Michigan State plays UCLA on Thursday night in the final play-in game, scheduled to start at 9:57 p.m. ET. That’s a primetime matchup with two blue bloods going at it to see who can face BYU in the first round.

The Spartans look like the current favorites while the Bruins could be sneaky-good if they’re on their game. They started the season 17-5 and were in the Pac-12 title race, but four straight losses to end the regular season and conference tourney forced them into the play-in.

Tom Izzo makes his 23rd straight NCAA Tournament appearance after battling his way back into the field following a hot stretch with three top-five wins in two weeks.

Will the Spartans pick up a big win to advance to the round of 64 on Saturday night?

Connor Muldowney: If you looked strictly at Vegas betting, you’d realize that just about everyone believes Michigan State is going to win this one. I tend to agree, but it’s going to be very close. The Bruins are going to get off to a faster start and force the Spartans to play catch-up throughout the first half and maybe into the second, but Aaron Henry will take over late and carry them to the round of 64. Oh yeah, and Rocket Watts is going to score in double figures and MSU is 7-0 when he does so. Make that 8-0 after tonight.

Final Score: UCLA 64, Michigan State 68

Conner Linsner: Michigan State arguably got snubbed in there seeding the March. Oh well. Izzo will play anyone anywhere and this can give the Spartans an edge this March. UCLA had a mediocre season in a mediocre conference. Michigan State has Aaron Henry and Josh Langford who could be playing their last games in the Green and White. I can’t see the Bruins pulling this one out. Izzo and company moves on to BYU.

Final Score: UCLA 68, Michigan State 75

Carter Landis: UCLA isn’t good, and honestly it’s pretty disrespectful that MSU is in a play in game with them. They have no size, so Bingham should feast on their small interior defense. Rocket should have a big game as well, and Henry will do his thing. I hardly expect this game to be close.

Final Score: UCLA 67, Michigan State 81

Jack Williams: UCLA is a solid team, but this was a money grab. The Spartans should not be participating in a play-in game and they’ll show their frustration on the court with a dominant win. Rocket Watts will play well, Aaron Henry will step up, and this team will win comfortably and advance to face BYU.

Final Score: UCLA 61, Michigan State 77

Stephen Robb: Opening against UCLA is ideal however having to play three games in the weekend is not. UCLA played in a weak Pac-12 conference. MSU willed itself to make one of the toughest tourney pushes of any school. This is the game Aaron Henry must take over and he’ll need to continue if MSU is to make a run in the tournament.

Final Score: UCLA 67, Michigan State 77