Michigan State basketball doesn’t travel to Purdue, Indiana in 2021-22

Mackey Arena. Assembly Hall. What do those two Indiana-based venues have in common? They’re nightmare fuel for opponents.

Two venues that have not been kind to Michigan State basketball over the past few years are also not on the schedule for the Spartans in 2021-22.

On Wednesday, Michigan State released its Big Ten home and away schedule, and the Boilermakers at Mackey and Hoosiers at Assembly Hall are not included.

But that doesn’t exactly make the schedule a ton easier.

The Spartans obviously see Indiana and Purdue at home so it’s not like those two are avoided at all costs, but anyone would rather see them at home rather than playing at their historic and raucous venues.

Still, the Spartans only have away games against Ohio State, Iowa, and Rutgers. All three of those places are incredibly tough.

Toughest games on Michigan State basketball’s schedule

Although the Spartans are dodging two of the more historic and intense venues, they aren’t missing out on all of the tough away games.

Illinois home and away will be tough, Maryland is never easy on the road, Michigan will be tough as Crisler, and Wisconsin, Ohio State, Iowa, and Rutgers are all going to be difficult battles away from East Lansing as well.

But what are the toughest games on the schedule?

I’d have to go with both Illinois matchups, both Michigan battles, at Ohio State, at Wisconsin, Purdue at home, and at Maryland. The Big Ten will be really good once again and these teams are all going to be vying for a conference title along with the Spartans.

Not having to play at Indiana or Purdue, though, is a major plus.