Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions in Big Ten Tournament opener vs. Minnesota

Michigan State basketball is searching for an NCAA Tournament berth with a win in the Big Ten Tournament. Will the Spartans advance?

Michigan State basketball returns to action this time in postseason play as they begin its Big Ten Tournament campaign in the second round against Minnesota. The Spartans split their regular season contests with Minnesota this year, so they’re looking to get the series win over the Gophers now.

Oh yeah, MSU’s also looking to lock itself into the NCAA Tournament as well.

A lot is on the line in this game, so let’s hope all three of these bold predictions come true.

1. Spartans win the rebounding battle

This not only is a massive key in this game, but it’s also a bold prediction in my eyes. In the first two games, Minnesota out rebounded MSU by three each time. The Gophers are also No. 114 in the country in rebounding margin at +2.4. That may not sound great, but it certainly isn’t bad when compared to the Spartans.

Michigan State is the No. 185 team in the country with a +0.7 rebounding margin. Put all that together and Minnesota is the favorite to come out on top on the glass.

However, I think MSU will get it done this time around. The Spartans have slowly but surely improved on the glass, and I think they’ll show that again in this game. If Michigan State does win the battle on the glass, I think its chances of winning skyrocket.

2. AJ Hoggard finishes with 15 points and 7 assists

AJ Hoggard is someone who has been struggling for Michigan State recently. But I think it’s time for him to finally get back to being the AJ we know he can be. Hoggard tends to have issues concentrating and getting ready to play in games, but I don’t think he’ll have those issues in the postseason. Especially considering MSU may need this win to get into the NCAA Tournament.

Hoggard. however, hasn’t hit these stats in quite some time. He’s only scored 15 points once in his last seven games and hasn’t recorded seven assists since Feb. 3. AJ’s also only hit this stat line once this year as well.

I don’t think it’s a question of if he can do this, it’s more of an if he will. And I think AJ is ready to burst onto the scene and help lead Michigan State to a big win.

3. The outcome of the game will never be in doubt

Maybe this is just me hoping for a calm, relaxing game as I watch it in the office, but I really think Michigan State could cruise to a victory. Maybe they won’t win by a large margin, but I think the result of the game will never be up in the air.

I think MSU will get off to a fast start (which is a borderline bold prediction on its own) and never let Minnesota get too close. In the first two meetings against the Gophers, MSU had around a 10-point lead halfway through the second halves. But in both games they let Minnesota creep back in and even win one of them. I don’t see that happening this time.

I think Michigan State will have a similar lead this time, but cruise to a victory and guarantee their spot in the NCAA Tournament.