Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions for crucial battle at Michigan

COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 12: Jaden Akins #3 of the Michigan State Spartans drives the ball past Sean McNeil #4 of the Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half of the game at the Jerome Schottenstein Center on February 12, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. Michigan State defeated Ohio State 62-41. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /

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Michigan State basketball will be playing its first game since tragedy struck East Lansing on Monday and it’ll be an emotional event for all involved, especially because it’s a rivalry game.

The Spartans are coming into this game looking to continue their winning streak while the Wolverines are hoping to bounce back after back-to-back losses to Indiana and Wisconsin.

Emotions will be high in Ann Arbor on Saturday night.

Will Michigan State pull off the big road win? Let’s get bold.

3. Jaden Akins out-duels Kobe Bufkin

There’s a new battle brewing in the rivalry that happens to be the latest in a long line of player comparisons: Kobe Bufkin vs. Jaden Akins.

Both were Michigan State recruits and Tom Izzo ended up with Akins and an offseason foot injury got him off to a slow start this season. Meanwhile, Bufkin has molded into a star for Michigan as he’s become one of the more prominent players. Fans of both schools have been comparing the two players all season, claiming their star sophomore is better.

Bufkin has been performing better of late, but I think Akins has a big game and steals the show on Saturday, out-dueling his sophomore wing counterpart on Michigan.

Akins will finish with 14 points and six rebounds with three steals while Bufkin has 11 points, five boards, and a steal. A statement game for Akins at Crisler.

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