Michigan St Info
Head Coach: Tom Izzo
Location: East Lansing, MI
Conference: B1G 10
Nickname: Spartans
Nickname: Sparty
Last time out: Lost to Wisconsin
Typical Rotation Depth: 7-11 players, depending on foul trouble
Line: Michigan St by 14.5
Fun Fact: Miles has never lost to Michigan St by more than 10 points
Tempo: Fast paced offense, grind you on defense
Defense: Tom Izzo's pack defense
Player to watch: Denzel Valentine
The Senior All-American candidate leads the team in Scoring, Assists, and Steals while second on the team in rebounding. He's a triple-double threat whenever he steps on the court and he's one of only 4 Spartans (Magic Johnson, Draymond Green, Charlie Bell) to accomplish the feat.
The Skinny
This is a slightly pivotal game for both teams as Michigan State is in danger of losing three conference games in a row since 2013 and Nebraska is trying to prove that their improved play means they can beat someone that isn't in the cellar of the B1G.
While both teams are a little down defensively, it's a point of pride for these guys to get back on transition and pack the lane so expect a mostly half court game with a sub 70 point potential, assuming this doesn't turn into a FT shooting contest. Both teams have been plagued by foul trouble in conference so unless the refs are heavy into offensive fouls tonight, aggressive takes will be rewarded. Both the Huskers and Michigan State have been great on both sides of the ball rebounding though you have to think that Michigan St and their girth advantage will have the upper hand tonight. The Huskers have a good chance to win the turnover battle tonight but I don't expect either teams to cough it up much.
This is a game I'm tempted to pick the Huskers to win if Michigan St isn't on a skid...they had guys admit two years ago they didn't take us seriously. Look for the Huskers to hang with Michigan St most of the night but to come up short against a properly motivated team with Final 4 aspirations at home.
Prediction: Michigan St 74 - Nebraska 65
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