Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. No. 3 Arizona

Michigan State's A.J. Hoggard celebrates after scoring against Butler during the second half on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in East Lansing.
Michigan State's A.J. Hoggard celebrates after scoring against Butler during the second half on Friday, Nov. 17, 2023, in East Lansing.
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Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. Let’s have ourselves a day with Michigan State basketball taking on No. 3 Arizona on Thursday evening right before we all sit down for dinner.

The Spartans are up to 3-2 after picking up blowout wins over Butler and Alcorn State. After a 1-2 start, that’s exactly what this team needed heading into a matchup with the top-five Wildcats.

This is going to be the toughest test of the season yet. So let’s get bold.

3. AJ Hoggard has 10 assists

I’ve been predicting this here and there over the first few games of the season, but I think this will be the game where everyone truly feels that AJ Hoggard is “back”.

Hoggard has been heating up over the past two games as he’s looked a lot more like his usual self, but after the first three games where he was in danger of getting benched, we need to see this good side more consistently. We’ll get a third straight good game on Thursday.

The senior point guard will record a season-high in assists with 10 while scoring 10 points to secure his first double-double of the 2023-24 campaign.

Folks, he’s back.