Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. Notre Dame

1. MSU avoids late-game meltdown with a lead

Are you sensing a theme with this year’s Michigan State basketball team? The Spartans have the talent and play well enough together that they build big leads but then you see them coughing up those leads late with sloppy play and poor decisions.

Against Gonzaga, the Spartans were up 12 and then struggled down the stretch, giving the game away to the Bulldogs by one. Then they were up 16 against Villanova late in the second half but the Wildcats chipped away and came within one with a chance to win at the buzzer but thankfully they missed. Most recently, Michigan State nearly handed Oregon a win after leading comfortably late and the same with Portland.

That theme needs to be put to a grinding halt on Wednesday.

I think Michigan State is the better team but Notre Dame’s 3-point shooting will keep it in the game. However, the Spartans will lead by 6-7 late in the game and the true test will be on.

Will Michigan State allow the Irish to cut that lead and steal a win? My prediction: no.

Michigan State will finally close the game strong and win by 5-6 points in South Bend to improve to 6-2 on the season.