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Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. resurgent Illinois team

By Connor Muldowney

MADISON, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 10: Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during the second half of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kohl Center on January 10, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 10: Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during the second half of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kohl Center on January 10, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /
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Jan 10, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo yells to his players during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo yells to his players during the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The Spartans lose a heartbreaker

Confidence is sky-high right now for Michigan State and that’s going to go a long way on Friday night. While I think the Spartans are currently the better team, they are bound to have a slip-up at any moment now.

Plus, it would be really difficult to start the month 4-0 with wins over an improved Nebraska team, rival Michigan, at Wisconsin, and at Illinois. But you can’t be mad at 3-1.

I don’t think Michigan State will get run off the court like it has in the past in Champaign, however. It’s actually played really well here in recent years and it nearly pulled out a big win last season but missed free throws down the stretch were the difference. I think this team remembers that loss and wants to exact revenge, but Illinois is playing its best ball in months.

Michigan State will keep things close throughout and cover the 5.5-point spread as underdogs, but it just won’t be enough.

Illinois wins on a late 3-pointer by Terrence Shannon Jr., 73-71.

Next. 5 bold predictions for MSU basketball in January. dark

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