Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for Butler matchup

Nov 12, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan StateÕs bench erupts on a shot in the second half players are Tyson Walker(2), AJ Hoggard(11) Max Christie(5) and Gave Brown(44) at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

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The Gavitt Games haven’t gone quite how the Big Ten had planned thus far, but Michigan State basketball has an opportunity to change that on Wednesday night at Butler.

A matchup between the Spartans and Bulldogs in Indianapolis won’t be easy as Hinkle Fieldhouse is a tough place to play, but Michigan State is the better team, on paper. But being better on paper doesn’t always matter as road games in college basketball can be nightmarish.

Will the Spartans take care of Butler on Wednesday? Let’s get bold.

3. Michigan State wins the turnover battle

If there’s one thing that may very well work in the Spartans’ favor in this one, it’s that Butler turns the ball over just as much as Michigan State. Heck, the Bulldogs have faced lesser teams than the Spartans and have and they average 15 turnovers per game.

Michigan State averages 14.5 turnovers per game while Butler is averaging 15.

The Spartans have had a turnover problem for years, but I don’t think it comes back to bite them on Wednesday night. In fact, I think Michigan State actually takes advantage of Butler’s turnover problem and wins the battle by at least five.

What’s worse, averaging 14.5 turnovers per game against Kansas and Western Michigan or 15 against Troy, Central Arkansas, and IUPUI? The answer is obvious.

Michigan State wins the turnover battle on the road.

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