3 bold predictions for Michigan State basketball vs. Minnesota

Jan 25, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jase Richardson (11) drives to the basket against Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Jordan Derkack (0) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Jan 25, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jase Richardson (11) drives to the basket against Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Jordan Derkack (0) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
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2. Xavier Booker finally gets hot from deep

Since Dec. 21, Xavier Booker has made one 3-pointer. Yes, you read that correctly, over the past seven games, Booker has just one three and that's supposed to be one of his specialties.

Not good.

That's going to change against Minnesota. He'll not only hit his second three since Dec. 21 (he's 1-for-19) but he'll hit three of them and score in double figures for the first time since that Oakland game back in December. It's been over a month since Booker has scored in double figures but that drought ends against the Gophers.

With Booker starting to earn Tom Izzo's trust back, little by little, he's going to flirt with 20 minutes of action against Minnesota, scoring 14 points with six rebounds and two blocks. He'll have another one of his big games and like Izzo has said before, it's not a matter of if Booker will break out, it's when.

I think the when will begin on Tuesday night.