Minnesota at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

No. 18 Minnesota at No. 12 Michigan State

Time: 7 p.m.

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Minnesota 17-5, 5-4 Big Ten; Michigan State 18-4, 7-2

Minnesota stat leaders: Points – Andre Hollins (14.2 ppg); Rebounds – Trevor Mbakwe (8.5 rpg); Assists – Andre Hollins (3.7 apg); Steals – Austin Hollins (2.0 spg).

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).

Current Streaks: Minnesota W2, Michigan State W1

Point Spread: Michigan State -4

Prediction: Minnesota has seemed to regress since its Big Ten opener with MSU, and the Spartans have been improving. Like most MSU games, I still expect the Spartans to be in a dog fight most of the way. Minnesota has the athletes to make this game interesting, and if the Spartans have an off night on offense, they could find themselves getting upset. I think Keith Appling will build off his strong showing against Illinois and lead the Spartans to another hard-fought victory, allowing them to keep pace in the Big Ten race. Michigan State 67, Minnesota 63

Michigan at Minnesota Breakdown & Prediction

No. 5 Michigan vs. No. 9 Minnesota

Time: 7 p.m.

Venue: Williams Arena

TV: ESPN

Records: Michigan 16-1, 3-1 Big Ten; Minnesota 15-2, 3-1

Michigan stat leaders: Points – Trey Burke (18.0 ppg); Rebounds – Mitch McGary (5.9 rpg); Assists – Burke (7.1 apg); Steals – Burke (1.2 spg).

Minnesota stat leaders: Points – Andre Hollins (14.4 ppg); Rebounds – Trevor Mbakwe (8.1 rpg); Assists – Andre Hollins (3.6 apg); Steals – Austin Hollins (2.0 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan L1; Minnesota L1

Point Spread: Minnesota -3.5

Prediction: You would expect that Michigan learned a few lessons in last Sunday’s loss to Ohio State. The Wolverines have to show better composure in the beginning of this game and learn from what went well against the Buckeyes. Michigan was able to overcome a large deficit to Ohio State with defense and aggressive offense. If Michigan hopes to win tonight, the Wolverines need to do more of the same against the Gophers. The issue is, Minnesota is coming off a tough loss at Indiana and has been very impressive at home. Both teams need this win, but Minnesota has the home-court advantage. I think the Wolverines will play better than they did last Sunday, but they are also facing a better team. Minnesota 72, Michigan 70