Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. No. 4 Kentucky

Well, it’s that time of year, Michigan State basketball fans. It’s Champions Classic day.

The Spartans are getting ready to face their second top-five team in a row with No. 4 Kentucky next on the schedule. They’re looking for better luck this time around as they fell just short against Gonzaga last week, 64-63.

Kentucky is reportedly bringing Oscar Tshiebwe back tonight after he’s missed the first two games with an injury. As one of the nation’s top players, he will be tough to stop.

Will Michigan State pull off the upset? Let’s dive into some bold predictions.

3. Mady Sissoko scores 10-plus again

I’ve been so impressed with Mady Sissoko this season and he’s really stepped up with the need for extra production in the post. While he had just four points and six rebounds in the opener, he didn’t need to do much against Northern Arizona and played 19 minutes.

Against Gonzaga, he was much more effective and it could be argued that he was the Spartans’ most important player in that game. Joey Hauser and Jaxon Kohler had a nightmare of a time trying to guard Drew Timme while Mady really shut him down when he was on the floor.

Oscar Tshiebwe is likely to play tonight but I don’t expect him to play 20-30 minutes, but rather more like 15-20 since he probably isn’t caught up conditioning-wise and he’ll be rusty. But he’s still one of the best players in the country.

But Mady is out with something to prove and he’ll finish the game with 10-plus points against his second straight top-five foe.