Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions vs. Northwestern

Michigan State basketball will face Northwestern in its final home game on Wednesday night. Let’s dive into some bold predictions.

The final home game of the season is finally here. On Wednesday night, we get to celebrate the Michigan State basketball seniors and all that they have accomplished. However, the celebration is more of an afterthought this year as a win is desperately needed to save their season.

Before the game tips off, let’s make some fun, yet bold, predictions centered around the Michigan State seniors in their last game at the Breslin Center.

1. Each senior scores at least 10 points

Let me preface by saying I don’t actually mean every senior, just the ones who will see significant playing time. Sorry, Steven Izzo.

Tom Izzo loves to run sets and give extra minutes to his seniors on senior night, so I think that will help this prediction here. For guys like Malik Hall and Tyson Walker, hitting double figures should be straight forward. Even predicting AJ Hoggard to finish with at least 10 isn’t that wild. Where this gets a little sketchy is Mady Sissoko, who hasn’t hit double figures since Nov. 28.

But I have faith in the senior night magic. I believe all four of these guys will hit double figures and make for a memorable senior night in what will hopefully be a win over Northwestern.

2. Steven Izzo scores – again

Thankfully Steven Izzo did score a bucket earlier this season, so there is no pressure on him to score before his career is over. But why not keep the senior night magic rolling and see some more points from him?

Steven won’t have much time to score, as he will likely come in at the end of the game just to be subbed out right away so he can kiss the Spartan logo at mid court. But that won’t stop him from taking advantage of a couple opportunities to get on the scoreboard.

This time I think he’ll hit one of two free throws after being fouled. Sure one point isn’t much, but it’s more than you and I will ever score and something Steven definitely deserves.

3. Michigan State wins the turnover battle by at least 5

A plus-five turnover margin may not seem like much, but in college basketball it actually is. You also need to consider just how strong Northwestern is in not turning the ball over. The Wildcats are No. 6 in the country in turnovers per game at 8.9 and are also No. 16 in turnover margin at +3.7.

However, Michigan State is very good in this area as well. MSU is No. 21 in the country with 9.8 turnovers per game and No. 39 in turnover margin at +2.7. Couple this with the fact that the Spartans will be very focused in front of a home crowd and I think MSU will dominate the turnover battle.