Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. Notre Dame

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)
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)
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PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 24: A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots under pressure from Brandon Miller #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Moda Center on November 24, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON – NOVEMBER 24: A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots under pressure from Brandon Miller #24 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the first half at Moda Center on November 24, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images)

2. AJ Hoggard records a double-double

AJ Hoggard had an up-and-down PKI showing as many thought his body language was questionable, but he rebounded to finish strong against Portland with 12 points and nine assists. He was just one assist shy of his second double-double of the year and he began to look like his normal self again.

There were some questionable decisions by AJ throughout the tournament as he had 12 turnovers in three games, but he’s going to cut that number down drastically moving forward.

Hoggard is going to follow up that 12-point, nine-assist game with 13 points and 11 assists against Notre Dame. Why do I think he’ll have so many assists? Because Notre Dame’s defense has been rather mediocre this season given the quality of opponents it has faced.

Notre Dame has faced Radford, Southern Indiana, Youngstown State, Lipscomb, Bowling Green, and St. Bonaventure and it’s giving up 70 points per game. It’s time for MSU to take advantage.