Northwestern at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

Northwestern at No. 10 Michigan State

Time: 6 p.m.

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Northwestern 13-17, 4-13 Big Ten; Michigan State 23-7, 12-5

Northwestern stat leaders: Points – Drew Crawford (13.5 ppg); Rebounds – Jared Swopshire (6.7 rpg); Assists – Dave Sobolewski (3.9 apg); Steals – Reggie Hearn (1.2 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.4 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.6 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (3.7 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.6 spg).

Current Streaks: Northwestern L7, Michigan State W1

Point Spread: Michigan State -19.5

Prediction: Michigan State could have everything to play for tonight if Michigan takes care of business against Indiana. If the Indiana-Michigan game is close, the Spartans won’t know for sure what the Big Ten situation looks like at the tip of its game, so they should go in with the attitude that this game is for the title. Northwestern has been a mess the last month and the Wildcats are probably looking to get the regular season over with quickly. With it being senior day for MSU, I don’t see the Spartans lacking energy on the floor. They should be able to take care of business right from the start. I don’t feel comfortable saying MSU will cover this lofty spread, but I do see it winning comfortably. Michigan State 62, Northwestern 47