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Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for quarterfinal matchup vs. Wisconsin

By Connor Muldowney

Feb 8, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Max Christie (5) scores past Wisconsin Badgers guard Brad Davison (34) in the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Max Christie (5) scores past Wisconsin Badgers guard Brad Davison (34) in the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talks with guard Tyson Walker (2) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talks with guard Tyson Walker (2) in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Michigan State wins the rematch

The last matchup between Michigan State and Wisconsin was an absolute disaster for Tom Izzo’s squad. His team was down big early and had to climb back and pulled within one in the second half but never got closer and just faded away.

This was a surprise because Michigan State dominated the first matchup against the Badgers on the road, 86-74. They just haven’t been consistent in months.

But following a second straight win which hasn’t happened since the first week of February, Michigan State has some newfound confidence and it already has the recipe for success against the Badgers. They just need to lock down the perimeter and keep Johnny Davis in check — he might still be hobbled after getting knocked out in the regular-season finale.

Michigan State will get hot and stay hot from deep against the Badgers and it’ll avoid one of those dreaded slow starts. Plus, Izzo won’t let his team melt down in the final minutes like it did against Maryland. And Wisconsin has had four straight games decided by five points or less so the Badgers are flirting with danger.

Michigan State wins this one by five.

dark. Next. 3 reasons for optimism ahead of Big Ten Tournament

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