Michigan State at Northwestern Breakdown & Prediction

No. 4 Michigan State at Northwestern

Time: 7PM ET

Venue: Welsh-Ryan Arena

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Michigan State 15-1, 4-0 Big Ten; Northwestern 8-9, 1-3

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Garry Harris (17.8 ppg); Rebounds – Branden Dawson (8.7 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (4.6 apg); Steals – Harris (1.8 spg).

Northwestern stat leaders: Points – Drew Crawford (15.6 ppg); Rebounds – Crawford (7.0 rpg); Assists – Dave Sobolewski (3.2 apg); Steals – JerShon Cobb/Sanjay Lumpkin (0.9 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State W8, Northwestern W1

Point Spread: Not available (due to injuries)

Prediction: This game could be a tough test given Adreian Payne is doubtful with his foot injury and Branden Dawson’s status is unknown due to a virus. Northwestern is coming off a win over Illinois, so its confidence should be high at home. The Spartans can win this game by just playing solid defense. The Wildcats are among the worst in the nation in scoring and don’t have a great scoring presence inside outside of Crawford, but he is just a 6-5 combo guard/forward. Northwestern would be wise to be aggressive tonight with the injury issues inside for the Spartans, but the Wildcats will still have their hands full defending the likes of Keith Appling and Gary Harris. Look for a lower-scoring game, but MSU stays unbeaten in Big Ten play. Michigan State 68, Northwestern 58