Michigan State basketball: 3 bold predictions for rematch vs. Penn State

Michigan State basketball travels to Happy Valley on Wednesday night for a Valentine’s Day showdown. Let’s get bold.

The Spartans are back in action in their first of two road games as they play Penn State on Wednesday. Michigan State basketball already dominated the Nittany Lions once this season 92-61, but Penn State has revenge on its mind heading into this rematch. Penn State is also much improved from the first meeting, and we all know how much MSU struggles on the road.

I’ve been on a little bit of a cold streak in my bold predictions recently, so for the sake of Michigan State’s season, we better hope these three come true.

1. Michigan State shoots above 50 percent from deep

Finishing above 50 percent from three in any game for any team is wildly impressive. This Michigan State team, however, has accomplished this feat twice this season, and I predict it will do it again against Penn State.

In their last game against the Nittany Lions, the Spartans shot 47.6% from deep. As mentioned, the Spartans have also hit this mark twice this year, shooting 66.7% against Baylor and 62.5% in their last game out against Illinois.

Even though MSU has proven it can shoot 50 percent from deep, doing it two games in a row surely would be an impressive feat.

2. The Spartans win the turnover battle by at least six

This may not seem like a “bold” prediction at first, but this is something Penn State is very good at. Penn State is No. 10 in the country with a +4.6 average turnover margin per game. For comparison, Michigan State is No. 49 in the country with a +2.6 average turnover margin per game. So both teams are good in the turnover battle, but the Nittany Lions are elite.

However, I predict MSU will be the team to dominate the turnover battle. The Spartans will limit themselves to no more than seven turnovers this game, and they will force at least 13 from Penn State which is well above their season average.

This is one thing Penn State can do well to stay in this game, so if this bold prediction comes true then Michigan State fans should love their chances at winning this game.

3. Mady Sissoko finishes with double-digit rebounds

At this point in the season, we know that Mady Sissoko isn’t someone who’s going to score a lot of points for MSU. And that’s alright, as long as he does some other things well. Defense and rebounding are the things he needs to focus on and two things he can be elite at.

Last time out against Penn State, Sissoko finished with a season-high 12 rebounds. He’s also finished with double-digit rebounds five times this season as well. However, he hasn’t grabbed double-digit rebounds since Jan. 11. I predict that will end in this game and Sissoko will grab at least 10 rebounds against Penn State again.