Michigan Basketball vs Michigan State: How to watch, preview and predictions

Scouting report: Michigan State

It’s not hard to figure out that the Spartans are one of the most talented and well coached teams in college basketball. Yet, as their last two games have proven, they are not invincible.

Last weekend, the Spartans lost to Ohio State by 16 points. The same Buckeyes team Michigan narrowly lost to on the road after having a 20-point lead. Then, Wednesday Michigan State needed overtime to beat Rutgers at home, 76-72.

Of course, the Spartans still have Miles Bridges, Nick Ward, Joshua Langford, Cassius Winston and Jaren Jackson Jr. That might be the best starting five in the Big Ten as all average in double figures.

While the Spartans have struggled in their past two games, their resume is impressive. Their only other loss was to top-ranked Duke early in the season. They also have wins over North Carolina, Notre Dame, Maryland and Nebraska, all by at least 18 points.

Michigan State has scored less than 70 points only twice this season, which is why it ranks 17 in scoring in the country (85.9 PPG). 

The Spartans are a great shooting team, knocking down 52 percent of their shots (3rd in NCAA). They also are shooting 41 percent from 3-point range, which is seventh in the nation. On top of that, Michigan State leads the country in blocks, assists and rebounds. Oh and don’t forget opponent field goal percentage, another category that MSU leads the nation (36.5).

Bottom line, the Spartans are loaded. But if Michigan basketball brings is best, the Wolverines can hang around.