Where were you two years ago when Michigan State basketball watched a double-digit lead melt away at Iowa with about 90 seconds left? I know exactly where I was and you probably do, too.
Tom Izzo hasn't forgotten that either and you know he's ready to make sure he gets a little revenge on his good friend Fran McCaffery on Thursday night. The two teams square off in the midst of a season that's been a pleasant surprise for the Spartans and somewhat of a disappointment for Iowa.
Michigan State has officially clinched at least a share of the Big Ten title with two games left and a win over Iowa would give it to the Spartans outright while the Hawkeyes are 15-14 overall and just 6-12 in league play. They will need a huge run (including winning the whole thing) in the Big Ten Tournament to make the Big Dance.
Iowa is 2-4 in its last six Big Ten home games. Can Michigan State make that 2-5? Let's get bold.
1. Three-point shooting heats up
On the season, Michigan State has been one of the worst 3-point shooting teams in the country, but the Spartans looked much more effective against Wisconsin and I think that continues on Thursday.
Jaden Akins got hot against the Badgers while Tre Holloman cooled off, but I think both guys will have big games and combine for five threes against the mediocre Iowa defense. Xavier Booker will hit one off the bench, Jase Richardson will hit a couple, and Jaxon Kohler will even get into the fun.
Michigan State finishes the game shooting over 40 percent from deep (crazy that this is considered bold this year).
2. Jaden Akins scores 20
I feel like we're going to see a run out of Jaden Akins that will resemble that of Aaron Henry during the 2020-21 season where he willed the team to the NCAA Tournament.
Obviously Michigan State is headed to the tournament regardless of what happens from this point forward, but if the Spartans plan on making a Final Four run, Akins needs to be great. That started on Sunday with his 19-point outing against Wisconsin and will continue into Thursday night's matchup with an average Iowa team.
The Hawkeyes' defense just won't have the answers and Akins' confidence will just continue to soar as he drops 22 points on 8-of-15 shooting.
3. Michigan State trails at half, wins big again
There's been a common theme with this Michigan State team this season. The Spartans have been known to play things close or even trail in the first half against teams during this recent hot stretch before turning it up in the second half and running away with a win.
The same will happen on Thursday.
Iowa will lead by four at the half but Michigan State will turn up the pressure at halftime and wear down the Hawkeyes with that depth and scoring ability from 8-10 different guys. The Hawkeyes will be gassed by the under-12 timeout in the second half and Michigan State will just step on the gas and exact revenge for that 2023 meeting in Iowa City.
Michigan State wins 84-72.