Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions at Penn State in Week 5

Fresh off back-to-back losses to fall to 5-4 on the season, Michigan State basketball is reeling. The Spartans have gone from 3-1 and ranked No. 12 in the AP Top 25 a couple of weeks all the way down to around .500 and unranked and there are a couple of injuries to blame.

Well, that and a lack of depth which could have been avoided. But let’s not get into that.

Michigan State faces Penn State on Wednesday night in Happy Valley, looking to end its losing streak and pick up a really big conference road win.

Here are three bold predictions for the important conference battle.

3. Jaden Akins, Pierre Brooks each have big games

Coming back from an injury against Northwestern, it felt like Jaden Akins was going to take Michigan State to another level. However, it was obvious that his conditioning was not up to par, and after a 3-pointer to kick things off for the Spartans offensively, he was quiet. He didn’t shoot well and had tired legs.

That’ll change against Northwestern as I can see him turning some really good defense into easy offense on the other end on numerous occasions. I think he finishes with at least 10 points and a couple of big steals.

Pierre Brooks has been a lights-out shooter this season and that’ll continue against Penn State because the Spartans will need him to step up. He’ll finish with a few big threes and a couple of driving buckets to finish with 13 points and he’ll add five rebounds.

Big night for the two sophomores.