Indiana at Michigan Breakdown & Prediction

Indiana at No. 12 Michigan

Time: 6PM ET

Venue: Crisler Center

TV: ESPN

Records:  Indiana 17-13, 7-10 Big Ten; Michigan 22-7, 14-3

Indiana stat leaders: Points – Yogi Ferrell (17.4 ppg); Rebounds – Noah Vonleh (9.1 rpg); Assists – Ferrell (3.8 apg); Steals – Will Sheehey (1.0 spg).

Michigan stat leaders: Points – Nik Stauskas (17.3 ppg); Rebounds – Jon Horford (4.6 rpg); Assists – Stauskas (3.5 apg); Steals – Caris LeVert (1.2 spg).

Current Streaks: Indiana L3, Michigan W4

Point Spread: Michigan -10.5

Prediction: This game should be interesting as Michigan certainly wants to hand a loss to Indiana, who has owned this series the past two seasons, while the Hoosiers need a strong run over the next week to make the NCAA Tournament, starting with a win today. I don’t think Indiana will get that win today, but I do expect this game to be somewhat of a dog fight. I was really impressed with Michigan’s performance at Illinois, but I don’t know that they can repeat that today. The Hoosiers will try to grind this one out and win with defense, because they can’t go in looking to match Michigan shot-for-shot. Ultimately, talent should win out. The Wolverines have more talent and still have a slim chance at making a run at a No. 1 seed should it win out and a few teams fall along the way. Michigan 68, Indiana 61

Indiana at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

Indiana at No. 3 Michigan State

Time: 7PM ET

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Indiana 12-6, 2-3 Big Ten; Michigan State 17-1, 6-0

Indiana stat leaders: Points – Yogi Ferrell (17.4 ppg); Rebounds – Noah Vonleh (9.2 rpg); Assists – Ferrell (4.0 apg); Steals – Troy Williams (1.1 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Garry Harris (17.9 ppg); Rebounds – Branden Dawson (8.7 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (4.6 apg); Steals – Harris (1.9 spg).

Current Streaks: Indiana L1, Michigan State W10

Point Spread: Michigan State -12.5

Prediction: I expect Michigan State to win, but I expect this to be a closer game than the spread indicates. Indiana is coming off an embarrassing loss at home to Northwestern, so Tom Crean should have his team motivated for an upset. For whatever reason, Michigan State seems to play better away from the Breslin Center than it does at home. The Spartans have looked tight at home lately and I think they will struggle with Indiana’s intensity in the early and late stages of the game. The talent is clearly on MSU’s side, even without Adreian Payne playing, but I think the Hoosiers will go down swinging. Look for the Spartans to take a comfortable lead midway through the game and then hold off Indiana in the closing minutes. Michigan State 76, Indiana 71

Michigan State at Indiana Breakdown & Prediction

No. 5 Michigan State at Penn State

Time: 2PM ET

Venue: Assembly Hall

TV: CBS

Records: Michigan State 12-1, 1-0 Big Ten; Indiana 10-4, 0-1 Big Ten

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Garry Harris (17.4 ppg); Rebounds – Branden Dawson (9.3 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (4.8 apg); Steals – Travis Trice (1.5 spg).

Indiana stat leaders: Points – Yogi Ferrell (17.7 ppg); Rebounds – Noah Vonleh (9.5 rpg); Assists – Ferrell (4.1 apg); Steals – Troy Williams (1.2 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State W5, Indiana L1

Point Spread: Michigan State -2.5

Prediction: Michigan State hits the road again to face Indiana on Saturday. Obviously the name value gives this game more interest than perhaps it should. Indiana is not what it was last season and this is a game Michigan State should win. Tom Izzo doesn’t need any motivation to beat Tom Crean, as Crean has won his last three over his mentor. The Spartans have looked good on the road as of late and I expect that to continue. Look for Indiana to contend early behind the home crowd, but MSU pull away late behind superior talent. Michigan State 81, Indiana 70