Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. Villanova

Michigan State basketball is back in action on Friday night after picking up its biggest win of the season and one of the biggest in the past few years for Tom Izzo.

The Spartans will look to stay red-hot against Villanova who began the season ranked and lost to Temple last week to bounce right out. The Wildcats have some talent but Michigan State is playing much cleaner basketball right now and should have the upper-hand in East Lansing.

Let’s dive into some bold predictions for the big game at the Breslin Center.

3. Jaden Akins finally breaks out

I’ve been predicting a Jaden Akins breakout game for about a week now, but it just feels like he’s getting closer to showing everyone what he’s capable of.

I think that happens on Friday night against Villanova.

Akins has been aggressive through three games and that’s something you have to love to see, but his shot just hasn’t been dropping yet. In fact, he’s shooting under 30 percent from the floor and he’s made just one 3-pointer all year. That all changes against the Wildcats as he’ll finally go off for 10-plus points off the bench.

Michigan State needs him to play well and he’ll rise to the occasion, being that spark off the bench for the Spartans. He’ll shoot over 50 percent from the floor and make a couple of threes in the process to get his game back on track.