Michigan Basketball: 3 Predictions for Wolverines and Spartans

Michigan basketball closes out the regular season on Saturday against Michigan State and here are three predictions for the Wolverines. 

While Michigan basketball won’t need to beat Michigan State to win the Big Ten title, if you think that means this game doesn’t matter, you’re crazy.

As Juwan Howard said on Thursday night — it matters and it matters a lot.

Michigan State is desperate for another signature win and if the Spartans beat the Wolverines it could clinch their spot in the NCAA tournament.

It would also give them a season split with Michigan, which is the biggest thing on the line for the Wolverines this afternoon.

Not only can Michigan add some momentum heading into the postseason, but it could also sweep Michigan State and that’s always well worth it.

On Sunday, against a desperate Spartans team, it will be easier said than done and here are three predictions.

Michigan State gives a better effort

When I say effort, I don’t mean literally. I mean that Michigan State will play Michigan basketball tougher this time around. For one, the Spartans are at home and secondly, I just don’t see them shooting as poorly as they did Thursday, although Michigan’s defense was a big factor in that.

Aaron Henry simply can’t do it by himself. Maybe if he scores 30 points or something. Franz Wagner did a nice job defending him Thursday. Henry scored 14 points but needed 15 shots to get there. No Spartan that took more than three shots was better than 50 percent from the field and that will need to change.

MSU also can’t make zero 3-pointers as it did Thursday. That was somewhat shocking, but the Spartans will hit some outside shots today; Henry will probably also score around 20, but will that be enough?

Not if the Spartans can’t slow down Hunter Dickinson.