3 bold predictions for Michigan State basketball vs. Mississippi State

Michigan State basketball kicks off the 2024 NCAA Tournament on Thursday afternoon as the 9-seeded Spartans take on 8-seed Mississippi State in Charlotte.

The Spartans limped into the Big Ten Tournament before looking much better against Minnesota and Purdue. If they can carry that play over into the NCAA Tournament, there won't be many teams that can slow Michigan State down.

Mississippi State comes into the NCAA Tournament after an 8-10 SEC season, but the Bulldogs did beat Auburn and Tennessee this season, proving they can hang with anyone.

This should be a great game.

Let's get bold.

1. AJ Hoggard finishes with a double-double

While 2023-24 has been overall underwhelming for AJ Hoggard, he does show up in the NCAA Tournament and this feels like his time to shine. If you recall, a year ago, he was dominant in Michigan State's three NCAA Tournament games and he starred against Kansas State in the Sweet 16 loss.

Hoggard may not have lived up to expectations this year, but he knows he has time to redeem himself.

That started in the Big Ten Tournament as the senior point guard averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds with only 2.5 turnovers per game. He looked like the player we expected at the start of the season and I think that'll carry over into Thursday's first-round game.

Hoggard will finish with 15 points and 10 rebounds to get the NCAA Tournament started with a bang. Will it be enough to lead Michigan State to a win?