Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. USC in Round of 64

Mar 17, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo guides his team’s practice for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchBasketball Ncaa Men S Basketball Tournament /

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Mar 17, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talks to guard Tyson Walker (2) during a practice for the NCAA men’s basketball tournament at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Adam Cairns-The Columbus DispatchBasketball Ncaa Men S Basketball Tournament /

1. Michigan State scores 80 in a thrilling win

Defense has not been Michigan State’s strong suit for the past couple of weeks while the offense has taken a major step in the right direction outside of the Ohio State loss. That’ll continue.

Michigan State is going to score 80 for its fourth time in five games as the threes will fall throughout but the defense won’t get the necessary stops against Drew Peterson and Boogie Ellis. Those two take most of USC’s shots and score most of the points and they’ll show why. I could see both scoring 20 against the Spartans.

The Spartans will give up some points and be forced to win another shootout, but this one will have fans feeling good as Joey Hauser, Jaden Akins, and Tyson Walker all hit big shots down the stretch while Malik Hall hits the dagger with about 20 seconds left.

Tom Izzo will advance to the second round for the fifth time in the past six tournaments with a six-point win, taking care of the Trojans in Columbus.

Marquette, here MSU comes.

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

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