Michigan State at Purdue Breakdown & Prediction

No. 12 Michigan State at Purdue

Time: 7 p.m.

Venue: Mackey Arena

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Michigan State 19-4, 8-2 Big Ten; Purdue 12-11, 5-5

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (14.0 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (6.9 rpg); Assists – Appling (4.2 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.8 spg).

Purdue stat leaders: Points – Terone Johnson (12.4 ppg); Rebounds – A.J. Hammons (6.8 rpg); Assists – Ronnie Johnson (3.6 apg); Steals – D.J. Byrd/Ronnie Johnson (0.9 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State W2, Purdue W1

Point Spread: Michigan State -4

Prediction: Michigan State is banged up. The Spartans will still likely be with Keith Appling and Adreian Payne on Saturday night, but they can’t be 100 percent. Purdue isn’t going to be an easy place to play, but the Boilermakers have been inconsistent all season. In true MSU form, the Spartans will probably allow the Boilermakers to stay in this game throughout. Purdue may even be able to jump out to the early lead thanks to the home-crowd support. In the end, assuming the Spartans’ injuries don’t worsen, I see Michigan State grinding out another victory. I just don’t feel Purdue is good enough to pick up a win over the top teams in the conference. Michigan State 66, Purdue 63