Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions for BTT matchup with Purdue

Purdue is next on the schedule for Michigan State basketball. Will the Spartans pull off the quarterfinals upset?

Michigan State basketball continues its road to a Big Ten Tournament title as it’s are set to take on No. 3 Purdue in the quarterfinals. The Spartans beat Minnesota in the second round 77-67, and have a lot of momentum heading into this game.

My bold predictions for Minnesota also did pretty well, so here’s to hoping these come true, too.

1. Hoggard, Walker, Akins, and Holloman combine for over 50 points

This may seem like a very random prediction, but I hope that MSU can build off their momentum from their win over Minnesota, and this is one way they can do that. These four Spartan guards combined for 50 points against Minnesota, and their elite play is one of the main reasons they won the game.

It isn’t very often that all four play well at the same time, so it is very significant this happened in their first postseason game. But can they do it again is the question. It’s probably pretty unlikely that they do so, but I have faith that they will. I think they’ll combine for over 50 points, led by Tyson Walker with 22 points.

2. Xavier Booker sets a career-high

Xavier Booker has been steadily improving as the season has gone on. He started slow in his career, but has vastly improved on both ends of the floor. That was seen in the Spartans win over Minnesota as he finished with six points, three rebounds, and two steals.

Booker also had one of his best offensive games against Purdue a couple of weeks ago as well. He finished with a career-high 11 points and even splashed two 3-pointers over Zach Edey.

I think Booker will pick up right where he left off and finish this game with a new career-high of 13 points.

3. Michigan State advances to the semifinals

I never like to include Michigan State basketball just winning the game in my bold predictions, but it feels applicable this time. I actually think the Spartans have a really good chance of winning this game. First of all, they only lost to Purdue by six on the road. Second is the fact that Purdue historically struggles in postseason play. So maybe those issues will creep up on the Boilermakers.

I’ve already publicly said I think Michigan State will win, and the response I received was pretty negative. A lot of people believe MSU stands no chance, and the ones that think it could happen still won’t come close to predicting it. That’s why I’m comfortable slotting this as a bold prediction, and what a wild ride this postseason will become if the Spartans do win.