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Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. Northwestern in Big Ten opener

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State's Mady Sissoko celebrates A.J. Hoggard's 3-pointer against Villanova during the first half on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.221118 Msu Villianova 076a
Michigan State's Mady Sissoko celebrates A.J. Hoggard's 3-pointer against Villanova during the first half on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.221118 Msu Villianova 076a /
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Nov 30, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Mady Sissoko (22) loses the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Nate Laszewski (14) and guard Dane Goodwin (23) defend in the first half at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2022; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Mady Sissoko (22) loses the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Nate Laszewski (14) and guard Dane Goodwin (23) defend in the first half at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Mady Sissoko has a double-double

When has Mady Sissoko had his best games of the season? That’s right, against his stiffest competition. The Wildcats, believe it or not, have had one of the best defenses and post presences in the Big Ten this season and Sissoko will need to show up in a big way.

I think he does that on Sunday night.

Sissoko has been relatively quiet since the first two ranked games of the season against Gonzaga and Kentucky and I think he’s due for a big bounce-back. He’ll have that against Northwestern with an 11-point, 10-rebound performance against the Wildcats. He’ll even add a season-high three blocks as he steps up to lock down the post.

Michigan State needs Sissoko to be more consistent in Big Ten play if it’s going to push for a conference title because the two freshman centers are just not ready to play big minutes yet.

Sissoko has himself his best game since starring against Kentucky in the Champions Classic.

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