Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. No. 18 Alabama

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball in front of Mark Armstrong #2 of the Villanova Wildcats in the first half of the game at Breslin Center on November 18, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 18: A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans grabs a loose ball during the second half against the Villanova Wildcats at Breslin Center on November 18, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

1. Michigan State grinds out a close win

Down Malik Hall and possibly Jaden Akins, Michigan State heads into Thursday night as a healthy underdog. There’s a chance that Akins plays, but it looks doubtful.

So one would assume Michigan State loses this game based on the number of scholarship players available, right? Well, I think the Spartans are capable of surprising people just like they have through four games this year. Not having Hall and Akins on defense will hurt but the offensive production will also take a hit. But that just means other guys will have to step up.

AJ Hoggard is going to finish with a double-double with 12 points and 11 assists, Joey Hauser is going to remain hot offensively, Pierre Brooks will hit some big threes, Tyson Walker is going to lead all scorers, and Mady Sissoko will have a nice bounce-back game.

Michigan State is going to grind out a win and it might just go down as the Spartans’ most impressive victory of the season — and yeah, they’ve beaten Kentucky and Villanova.

The Spartans win, 72-70.

Next. 3 takeaways from tight win over Villanova. dark

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