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Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions for big Michigan matchup

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State's A.J. Hoggard calls out to teammates against Oakland during the first half on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.221221 Msu Oakland 040a
Michigan State's A.J. Hoggard calls out to teammates against Oakland during the first half on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.221221 Msu Oakland 040a /
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Dec 7, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard AJ Hoggard (11) gestures from mid court during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Michigan State defeated Penn State 67-58. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard AJ Hoggard (11) gestures from mid court during the second half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Bryce Jordan Center. Michigan State defeated Penn State 67-58. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports /

2. AJ Hoggard has his best game of the season

Something about this Michigan rivalry game usually brings out the best in certain Michigan State players, especially when it’s played in East Lansing.

Over the years, we’ve seen some legendary performances from guys like Kalin Lucas, Matt McQuaid, and Cassius Winston. I think AJ Hoggard joins that group this season with a big game against the Wolverines. He’s going to play his best game of the season on the biggest stage against the most hated opponent.

Hoggard’s best game previously was a 23-point performance against Penn State in which he also had six rebounds and two assists in the big road win.

I’m not going to say he’ll top that scoring production on Saturday, but the fact that Michigan doesn’t have someone who matches up physically with him at the guard spot means that he’s going to finish with some decent production. He’ll have 18 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds.

This will be one of those legendary performances that we’ll talk about for the rest of the year.

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