Michigan State basketball: Score prediction for Penn State rematch

Michigan State basketball beat Penn State 92-61 in the first matchup but what can we expect on Wednesday night?

Michigan State basketball is back in action on Wednesday for its first of two straight road games. The Spartans are heading east as they will take on the Penn State Nittany Lions. The road hasn’t been friendly to MSU this year, but hopefully that will change against a weaker opponent.

The Spartans and Nittany Lions have faced off once this season already, so before the game gets here let’s take a look back at how that game went then give a prediction for game two on Wednesday.

How did game one go?

I bet there are some fans out there who forgot that Michigan State and Penn State have played this season already. It’s been quite some time since game one, and the game itself wasn’t much of a game.

The Spartans absolutely dominated Penn State, beating them in East Lansing 92-61. The Spartans jumped out to a 16-6 lead and never looked back as they had a 51-26 halftime lead.

This was one of two games this year that saw the Spartans finish with two 20-plus point scorers. Malik Hall led the way with 24 points and Tyson Walker added 22. Tre Holloman, Jaden Akins, and AJ Hoggard all finished with 10 points each and Mady Sissoko dominated the glass with 12 rebounds.

This first game was an easy win for MSU, but the second time around likely won’t be the same.

Game two prediction

As you all know, the road hasn’t been kind to Michigan State this season. Maryland remains the only true road game that the Spartans have won this year. This game, however, does present a great opportunity to get their second road win.

Penn State is 6-7 in conference play, so it hasn’t been terrible in conference play. It also is hot right now as it’s won three of the last four games.

Michigan State is the better team on paper, but we all know that hasn’t always worked out in MSU’s favor. However, I think the win over Illinois will end up being the season’s turning point. The Spartans are ready to go on a run, and that starts Wednesday with another big win against Penn State, just maybe not as big as the first time.

Final score: Michigan State 85, Penn State 70