Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. No. 23 Rutgers

Two straight losses. Two should-be wins. Michigan State basketball has something to prove on Thursday night after losing two straight heartbreaking losses to Illinois and Purdue.

Michigan State went from leading Illinois by nine in the second half and controlling the game to falling behind with under 10 minutes left after a Malik Hall injury and failing to catch up. Then the Spartans were leading Purdue by four with under four minutes left. Zach Edey and Fletcher Loyer clawed back and picked up a one-point win with seconds left.

The Spartans now turn their attention to No. 23 Rutgers which is in the running for the Big Ten title and they’ll need to bounce back in a big way.

Let’s get bold.

3. Pierre Brooks scores 10 off the bench

Pierre Brooks has been struggling lately. Has he been in Tom Izzo’s doghouse? It sure feels like it as he’s seen his minutes drop drastically. In fact, after averaging over 20 points until the Oakland game, he has yet to reach that mark. He has played more than 15 minutes just one time in the past seven games.

But with Malik Hall out, he’s going to need to step his game up.

Brooks hasn’t scored a single point in four games but I think that’ll change on Thursday night as he’ll come off the bench and provide a spark. He’s going to finish with at least 10 points, scoring in double figures for the first time since Nov. 27 and just the fourth time all year.

Michigan State needs Brooks to step up and I think he will.