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Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for Penn State battle

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State's Gabe Brown, center, celebrates after a Spartans 3-pointer against Louisville during the first half on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.211201 Msu Lville 088a
Michigan State's Gabe Brown, center, celebrates after a Spartans 3-pointer against Louisville during the first half on Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.211201 Msu Lville 088a /
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Dec 4, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Joey Hauser (10), guard Max Christie (5), forward Marcus Bingham Jr. (30) and forward Gabe Brown (44) celebrate a teammateÕs three-point-shot at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Joey Hauser (10), guard Max Christie (5), forward Marcus Bingham Jr. (30) and forward Gabe Brown (44) celebrate a teammateÕs three-point-shot at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Michigan State finally puts a game away

For the first time since the Butler game, Michigan State will hold onto a big lead, avoiding a late meltdown to allow Penn State to get back into it.

It seems like almost every time out, the Spartans are building a big lead only to watch it melt away in the final minutes. It’s actually been three straight games of exactly that.

Against Louisville, the Spartans were up 20 points with under eight minutes left before the Cardinals pulled within eight and ultimately lost by nine. The next game, Michigan State was up 25 points against Toledo and then it coasted and let the Rockets back into the game before winning by 13. And then on Wednesday, Michigan State was up 19 and then let Minnesota trim the lead to six before ultimately winning by eight.

These late-game meltdowns have to stop and Tom Izzo’s team will take a step in the right direction against Penn State, building a 15-point lead in the second half and then winning by that same margin.

Stress-free games are fun.

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