The 12th-ranked Michigan basketball host the 14th-ranked Michigan State Spartans at 8:00 ET on FOX on Friday night.
After picking up big wins over Purdue and Ohio State, the Wolverines are emerging close to the Top 10.
The Spartans were victorious on the road at Illinois last Saturday making Tom Izzo the winningest Big Ten Coach passing the legendary Bob Knight.
This sets off one of the more anticipated games in this in state rivalry.
Here are some Important battles to keep an eye on that could decide the outcome between Michigan basketball and Michigan State.
The frontcourt
Michigan basketball would not be where it is today without the presence of both Danny Wolf and Vlad Goldin. Combined they are averaging 29 points per game and making it very hard for opposing defenses. Michigan State’s frontcourt on the other hand is less experienced and isn't the strongest suit of their team with senior Syzoman Zapala and junior Jaxon Kohler starting in the frontcourt. Xavier Booker also contributes with a lot of minutes.
Coaching
Two of College Basketball's elite coaches will square off in this contest. With Similar roster talent, this game could come down to Coaching. Whichever Coach has the team mentally and emotionally ready to play could be the deciding factor. Tom Izzo is one the greatest Coaches of all time and Dusty May has overachieved at Michigan basketball taking the Wolverines from eight to 20 wins halfway through February. This game has elite coaches written all over it.
Guards
The most important matchup of the game is the backcourt. Michigan basketball only has one true point guard in the rotation Tre Donaldson so it is important that he stays out of foul trouble earlier and plays a large number of minutes. Jaden Atkins and the promising freshman Jermy Fears lead the way for Michigan State’s offense. Jase Richarson also gives a spark off the bench averaging 10 PPG.
This match will ultimately come down to these three components, so whoever can take advantage of them will have bragging rights and sole possession of the Big Ten.