Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions for crucial rematch vs. Illinois

Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for crucial rematch with Illinois

Jan 25, 2022; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Malik Hall (25) drives to the basket as Illinois Fighting Illini forward Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk (13) defends during the second half at State Farm Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 15, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Max Christie (5) shoots the ball as Penn State Nittany Lions guard Dallion Johnson (23) defends during the second half at Bryce Jordan Center. Penn State defeated Michigan State 62-58. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Michigan State shoots over 50 percent

The first meeting between these two teams was tough to watch. Michigan State fell behind big early on thanks to a 3-point barrage from Trent Frazier and the Spartans came up just short after a horrid shooting start.

When Michigan State loses, it’s usually due to these slow starts and poor shooting early on which puts it in a serious hole that makes it difficult to climb out of.

It’s happened way too much this season but it won’t happen on Saturday.

The Spartans will feel the energy from the home environment on a huge alumni weekend and get off to a hot start and turn that into some solid shooting. Everyone will be making shots from the get-go against a tough Illinois defense.

Guys like Tyson Walker, Malik Hall, Gabe Brown, and Max Christie will all step up to boost that shooting percentage and Michigan State will rise above 50 percent on the game.

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