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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Michigan State’s Malik Hall, left, and Gabe Brown have fun on the bench during the second half in the game against Ferris State on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.211027 Msu Ferris 196a /

1. Malik Hall, Gabe Brown will lead MSU to victory

Two guys that have needed to step up for the Spartans this year but who haven’t quite been able to at the same time consistently as Malik Hall and Gabe Brown — the two captains and leaders.

Michigan State needs them to be on the same page against the Illini if they’re going to pull off a big win over a top-15 opponent. The Spartans need this win in order to stay afloat on the five-plus seed line for the NCAA Tournament and a loss here could lead to a dangerous slide to the end of the season. And both Malik and Gabe know that.

We’re going to see the two leaders play a heck of a game at the same time and lead Michigan State to a huge home win, improving to 19-7 overall and remaining in that Big Ten title hunt.

Gabe will find his shot early on with a couple of big threes and Malik will come off the bench to provide a spark and create some mismatches in the post.

Both of these guys will step up and be those leaders that Tom Izzo needs.

Michigan State wins on the backs of these two, 73-68.

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