Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. Butler in Gavitt Games

Michigan State basketball has not played to its potential this season, and that’s not much of a secret. The Spartans are 1-2 on the year with losses to James Madison and Duke. Their lone with is against Southern Indiana, but that needs to change — and quick.

The Spartans will get a chance to add to their resume on Friday night as Butler comes to town to do battle in the Gavitt Games.

Butler is 3-0 on the year with blowout wins over Eastern Michigan, Southeast Missouri, and East Tennessee State. The Bulldogs are led by former Ohio State coach Thad Matta as well as former Spartan Pierre Brooks. He’s off to a strong start, averaging 13.3 points on 44 percent shooting.

Let’s get bold ahead of this important battle.

3. The Spartans shoot over 50 percent from the floor

Through three games, there’s been one major criticism of the Spartans: they can’t shoot the ball. They’re shooting just 41 percent from the floor on the season and don’t even ask about the 3-point shooting — it’s ugly.

That’ll feel like a thing of the past on Friday night.

The Spartans are going to shoot at least 50 percent from the floor against a Butler team that has held each of its opponents under 60 points and it’ll be due to much better floor spacing and ball movement. Open shots have not been an issue for Michigan State this season and that will continue against the Bulldogs.

Tyson Walker will once again lead the way, but we’ll see guys like Jaden Akins, AJ Hoggard, Malik Hall, Coen Carr, and even Xavier Booker fare well from the floor.