Michigan State Basketball: Game-by-game predictions for December 2021

Nov 25, 2021; Nassau, BHS; Michigan State Spartans guard Max Christie (5) drives to the basket past Connecticut Huskies guard Jordan Hawkins (24) during the first half in the 2021 Battle 4 Atlantis at Imperial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 9, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Joey Hauser (20) backs down Penn State Nittany Lions guard Myles Dread (2) during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

No one likes playing at The Barn, but Michigan State has had success here over the years because Tom Izzo prepares his guys for the atmosphere. This will be Michigan State’s second true road game with the first being at Butler and I think the Hinkle Fieldhouse atmosphere prepared the Spartans for what they’ll see at Minnesota.

Plus, the Gophers aren’t quite “good” yet and the new-look roster and coaching staff will have problems against the red-hot Spartans.

Five Spartans score in double-figures as they shake off turnover issues to win.

Final Score: Michigan State 73, Minnesota 64 (8-2, 1-0 Big Ten)

Penn State is another one of those teams with a new coach this season that may not quite have it all figured out when it sees Michigan State. I still think the Spartans would beat the Nittany Lions in East Lansing even if they were playing well, but this one could get ugly.

The Nittany Lions always seem to give Michigan State a fight, however, and John Harrar is going to give Marcus Bingham Jr. all he can handle in the post.

This will be a close game for a half and then the Spartans pull away.

Final Score: Penn State 60, Michigan State 75 (9-2, 2-0)

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