Michigan State Basketball: Preview for Friday Night vs. Detroit Mercy

Michigan State basketball and head coach Tom Izzo shocked the world on Tuesday night, as MSU not only beat the No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats but embarrassed them 83-66 in the Champions Classic in Madison Square Garden.

That victory boosted State up to 4-0 on the young season. With two top fifteen wins thus far, Izzo has his team are on an early season tear, something that will only help the green and white later in March.

On the docket for Michigan State basketball is Detroit Mercy

Tonight, MSU looks to continue their hot streak with former assistant coach Mark Montgomery coming to town with Detroit Mercy.  Mercy (1-4) has had a rough start to the year. The Titans most recently lost to Eastern Michigan on Tuesday, 72-62 in a close contested game. Now, with Montgomery coming back to East Lansing for the first time since he departed, its an opportunity for Mercy to turn their season around.

Meanwhile for MSU, their main focus will be attempting to repeat their widespread shooting success that was on clear display Tuesday night.  The Spartans shot 11-of-22 from deep for an even 50-percent on field goals. Senior Jaxon Kohler currently leads the green and white in points per game, but with the versatility on display as of late, that spot could change on the flip of a coin.

Montgomery is planning to heavily rely on his senior guard Orlando Lovejoy to carry his Titans forward. The Eastern Michigan transfer leads Mercy with 13.8 points per game, and 4 assists per game as well. The Spartans will have their hands full down low as 7-foot-1 freshman Xavier Istomin-Monroe will look to pull the Titans to an upset.

The Breslin Center is already active and packed, with students and fans alike waiting to see their Spartans take the court once more.  The last time MSU was here, Izzo said they played, “fat and sassy” in a slow second half during their 79-60 victory against San Jose State.  After the Kentucky win, and “the best two practices in years” this past weekend, Michigan State basketball will look to continue their current course, and leave their home court with a victory tonight.