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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Feb 12, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Malik Hall (25) takes the jump shot as Ohio State Buckeyes guard Roddy Gayle Jr. (1) defends during the first half at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Malik Hall finally plays like Malik Hall

It’s been three weeks. Three weeks have passed since Malik Hall last scored in double figures. And that’s only happened twice since the new year. Prior to that, Hall scored 10-plus in four out of five games after finally getting healthy.

Long story short, Michigan State needs him to be better.

Malik hasn’t been Malik in weeks. That’s not a good sign if Michigan State wants to make a run in March, but I think he plays like his old self on Saturday night in Ann Arbor.

As one of the veteran players who has been to Ann Arbor plenty over his career, he’ll be a calming force on the road and step up big when the team needs him most. Plus, he’s a mismatch for Michigan defenders as he’s kind of a tweener.

Hall has just 22 points combined over his last four games and I think he’ll approach that on Saturday with 15 points and six rebounds.

We’ll finally get Malik Hall back.

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