Michigan State vs. Duke Breakdown & Prediction

No. 3 Michigan State vs. No. 2 Duke

Time: 9:37 p.m.

Venue: Lucas Oil Stadium

TV: CBS

Records: Michigan State 27-8; Duke 29-5

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.3 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.5 rpg); Assists – Appling (3.4 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.6 spg).

Duke stat leaders: Points – Seth Curry (17.3 ppg); Rebounds – Mason Plumlee (10.0 rpg); Assists – Quinn Cook (5.4 apg); Steals – Cook (1.5 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State W2, Duke W2

Point Spread: Duke -2.5

Prediction: This game certainly feels bigger than a Sweet 16 contest. Two of the most successful programs in college basketball, with two of the best coaches, meeting up tonight. There is no question that Michigan State can win this game. Duke is good, but I don’t think the Blue Devils are any better than the Spartans on paper. MSU matches up well with Duke in my opinion. I think the Spartans have the bodies to keep Mason Plumlee from controlling the paint, and I think they have the athletic guards and forwards to pose problems for Seth Curry. If Michigan State makes a commitment to defending the perimeter, it should win this game. Part of this game will be determined by how well Duke shoots. The Blue Devils haven’t been lighting it up from 3-point land as of late, but can certainly get hot. I question how strong Keith Appling’s shoulder will be in this game and I am not sure if Gary Harris can continue to shoot well on the outside. This is the biggest game of Harris’ career, and the freshman could get lost in the moment. At the beginning of the tournament I picked Duke to win this game. I actually feel better about the Spartans’ chances, but I am going to stick with my original pick. I think Duke will shoot lights out and be able to fend off MSU. Duke 70, Michigan State 67.

Saturday's NCAA tournament coverage

Click on the links for each story.

Pat Caputo column on Michigan breaking out of its tournament funk with Saturday's win

Pat Caputo column on MSU passing the opening weekend of the tournament with flying colors

Story on Michigan's Mitch McGary and his fullback-like mindset on the floor

Story on MSU's Adreian Payne and his impact in the second half of Saturday's win over Memphis

MSU notebook, headlined by Keith Appling's interesting day

Michigan notebook, led with the Wolverines now leaving the comforts of home

Story on Oakland University's reaction to hosting this weekend's games

Valparaiso vs. Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

No. 14 Valparaiso vs. No. 3 Michigan State

Time: 12:15 p.m.

Venue: The Palace of Auburn Hills

TV: CBS

Records: Valparaiso 26-7; Michigan State 25-8

Valparaiso stat leaders: Points – Ryan Broekhoff (15.9 ppg); Rebounds – Broekhoff (7.3 rpg); Assists – Erik Buggs (3.7 apg); Steals – Buggs (1.5 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.6 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.5 rpg); Assists – Appling (3.5 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.6 spg).

Current Streaks: Valparaiso W6, Michigan State L1

Point Spread: MSU -10.5

Prediction: Valpo has a senior-driven team that should play somewhat composed against Michigan State, but the Spartans have the clear talent advantage and the support of the home crowd, with the game being at The Palace. Tom Izzo will have the Spartans ready to come out strong and not overlook the Crusaders. With it being tournament time, I expect Michigan State to hit a new gear and start to look like a championship-caliber team more consistently. Michigan State 68, Valparaiso 56

Michigan State vs. Ohio State prediction for Saturday

No. 6 Michigan State vs. No. 10 Ohio State

Time: 4 p.m.

Venue: United Center

TV: CBS

Records: Michigan State 25-7, 13-5 Big Ten; Ohio State 24-7, 13-5

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.5 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.5 rpg); Assists – Keith Appling (3.7 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.6 spg).

Ohio State stat leaders: Points – DeShaun Thomas (19.75 ppg); Rebounds – Thomas (6.1 rpg); Assists – Aaron Craft (4.5 apg); Steals – Craft (2.0 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State W3, Ohio State W6

Point Spread: even

Prediction: On paper, this is a heck of a ball game. It may end up being one on the court as well, but I think Michigan State is going to be much more fatigued than Ohio State coming into this game. The Spartans had a dog fight with Iowa. It was a physical game for the Spartans that really pushed them for the full 40 minutes. Ohio State had a much easier time with Nebraska, and was able to cruise home to a win. I think that plays a big role in this game. Ohio State is going to make Michigan State work from the opening tip, and I think that will lead to some serious fatigue in the second half. MSU is capable of winning this game, but I think Ohio State will be fresher and has been playing some very good basketball as of late. Ohio State 67, Michigan State 58

Iowa vs. Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

Iowa vs. No. 6 Michigan State

Time: 9 p.m.

Venue: United Center

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Iowa 21-11, 9-9 Big Ten; Michigan State 24-7, 13-5

Iowa stat leaders: Points – Roy Devyn Marble (14.3 ppg); Rebounds – Aaron White (6.1 rpg); Assists – Mike Gesell (2.9 apg); Steals – Gesell (1.2 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.5 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.5 rpg); Assists – Appling (3.7 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.6 spg).

Current Streaks: Iowa W2, Michigan State W2

Point Spread: Michigan State -5.5

Prediction: Michigan State begins its Big Ten Tournament today against Iowa, which is coming off a 73-59 win over Northwestern last night. These two met just once this year, with MSU getting a 62-59 win at the Breslin. The Spartans have won five straight and nine of their last 10 against the Hawkeyes. I see MSU getting the win again today, but I think Iowa will make it a challenge. The Hawkeyes have been a tough out all season, as seven of their nine Big Ten losses have come by single digits. MSU may have to play from behind for a good portion of the game, but I see the Spartans staying composed and grinding out the victory. Michigan State 67, Iowa 61

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

Michigan State at Michigan Breakdown & Prediction

No. 9 Michigan State at No. 4 Michigan

Time: 4 p.m.

Venue: Crisler Center

TV: CBS

Records: Michigan State 22-6, 11-4 Big Ten; Michigan 23-5, 10-5

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.4 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.3 rpg); Assists – Appling (3.8 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.7 spg).

Michigan stat leaders: Points – Trey Burke (18.8 ppg); Rebounds – Mitch McGary (5.6 rpg); Assists – Burke (6.9 apg); Steals – Burke (1.4 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State L2, Michigan L1

Point Spread: Michigan -4

Prediction: Both teams are coming into this game a bit wounded by losses. Michigan State has suffered a pair of close losses to Indiana and Ohio State, while Michigan suffered an embarrassing loss to Penn State during the week. This win is crucial to both teams, not so much for the Big Ten race, but for NCAA Tournament seeding. Michigan has gone from being an expected No. 1 seed, to seeing a three or four seed in its future if it doesn’t get back on track. MSU still has a shot at the Big Ten Title if it wins out, and an impressive Big Ten Tournament showing could still give the Spartans a potential No. 1 seed. When it comes to Sunday’s game, I see it all coming down to toughness, both physical and mental. The Spartans dominated the toughness category in a 75-52 win over Michigan at the Breslin on Feb. 12. The Spartans dominated in all aspects of the game and took the Wolverines out mentally. Michigan had mental lapses and poor defense cost it against Penn State, and defense has been a big question mark for the Wolverines’ in their last seven games. Say what you will about talent, it doesn’t mean much if Michigan refuses to toughen up defensively. The Wolverines can’t allow MSU to control the paint like the first meeting, and Glenn Robinson III can’t check out mentally when called upon. Despite riding a two-game losing streak, Michigan State still has a clear toughness advantage over Michigan. Keith Appling had one of the worst weeks of basketball he will ever have, yet the Spartans lost two games to two ranked teams by a combined 12 points. Appling will be motivated to get out of his funk and rise to the challenge of facing off with Trey Burke. Michigan will also be up for the challenge of hosting MSU and getting payback, but I don’t see that being enough to beat the Spartans. I trust Tom Izzo over John Beilein, and Michigan has proven to wilt under pressure as of late. Unless the Wolverines shoot over 50 percent for the game, I don’t see them winning. Give me the Spartans in a season sweep. Michigan State 70, Michigan 64

Michigan State at Ohio State Breakdown & Prediction

No. 4 Michigan State at No. 18 Ohio State

Time: 4 p.m.

Venue: Value City Arena

TV: CBS

Records: Michigan State 22-5, 11-3 Big Ten; Ohio State 19-7, 9-5

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.8 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.0 rpg); Assists – Appling (3.9 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.7 spg).

Ohio State stat leaders: Points – Deshaun Thomas (20.1 ppg); Rebounds – Thomas (6.0 rpg); Assists – Aaron Craft (4.3 apg); Steals – Craft (2.0 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State L1, Ohio State W1

Point Spread: Ohio State -3.5

Prediction: Ohio State may be favored, but I see the Spartans winning this one. Ohio State is too reliant on Deshaun Thomas offensively and I think Michigan State will do a good job of really making him work for points. The Spartans have the mental toughness to win on the road and I think they will respond well following the loss to Indiana on Tuesday. Keith Appling will be looking to have a strong game following his letdown against the Hoosiers, and he will help lead MSU to a big road victory against the Buckeyes. Michigan State 64, Ohio State 58

Is Oladipo the clear Big Ten Player of the Year?

A lot of the debate following Indiana’s win over Michigan State on Tuesday night has been more about “is Victor Oladipo the Big Ten Player of the Year” as opposed to the importance of the win for the Hoosiers.

In regards to the win, it was huge for Indiana. The Hoosiers are now the clear favorite to win the Big Ten, and likely have at least a share of the title.

But, this blog is about the B1G Player of the Year and if Oladipo is in fact the deserving winner right now.

Here is a look at the guys that appear to be the leading candidates:

Victor Oladipo, Indiana – Oladipo isn’t the top scorer on his own team, or even the leading rebounder, but he does so many things that impact the game. Right now he is averaging 14 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2.4 steals per game. He is also shooting 63.9 percent from the field and an impressive 51.1 percent from 3-point land. He leads the Big Ten in steals by a significant mark. He ranks in the top 15 of the Big Ten in points, rebounds and blocks. He is a great on-the-ball defender and has tremendous instincts when it comes to making plays on either side of the ball. Though he wasn’t spectacular in the two conference losses, he has come up big in Indiana’s biggest wins. He had 19 points last night against MSU, 26 at Ohio State, 15 against Michigan and 21 at home against the Spartans. He has also had 15 steals in those four games.

Trey Burke, Michigan – Burke is likely the best overall offensive player in the conference. He averages 18.6 points per game, which is second in the conference. Burke is also leading the conference in assists, as 6.9 per game, which is more than 2 assists per game better than any other player in the conference. Burke is also tied for eighth in the Big Ten in steals while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from 3-point land. Despite all the impressive numbers, Burke lacks the big victories that Oladipo has. Burke hasn’t been disappointing in Michigan’s losses, but he also hasn’t been able to get Michigan a big win on the road. It’s not necessarily his fault, but it will likely cost him the Big Ten Player of the Year Award.

Cody Zeller, Indiana – Zeller is going largely unnoticed due to the buzz surrounding Oladipo. However, Zeller leads the Hoosiers in points (16.6 ppg), rebounds (8.1 rpg) and blocks (1.3 bpg). Zeller is also shooting 58.8 percent from the field. It would be interesting to find out just how much Zeller impacts what Oladipo can do, but the fact is he lacks the flash that Oladipo has. Zeller can make some big plays, but the perception is that he is a bland player that you sometimes forget is on the floor. There is a belief that he is soft, and he just doesn’t appear to be as impactful on a game as his teammate.

Deshaun Thomas, Ohio State – Thomas isn’t going to win this award, but he is worth noting as a candidate. He is leading the conference in scoring at 20.1 points per game and he also pulls down 6.2 rebounds per game. He essentially all the Buckeyes can rely on when things get tough. Aaron Craft is a great defender, but can’t score consistently. Thomas hasn’t disappeared in games this year either. He has scored in double figures in every game. If his point totals get low, it is more likely because he isn’t getting the ball as opposed to he is afraid of the challenge.

I didn’t list anyone from Michigan State or Wisconsin on here because neither has a clear-cut candidate. I would have said Keith Appling prior to him disappearing against Indiana for the second time this season. I’d also argue that Gary Harris has surpassed him as MSU’s top player.

When it comes to the Badgers, they just do it all as a team. You really can’t look at their stats and roster and say that they have one individual that truly dominates the others.

When all is said and done, I still feel Oladipo is the best player in the conference, and maybe the nation. He does all the little things that you don’t often see from top players. He also is still improving as a player, which is why Indiana is getting stronger as the season moves on. He may have a better cast of teammates around him, but that is always likely the case when it comes to Player of the Year awards.

So, who do you think is the top player in the B1G this season?

Who should be the B1G Player of the Year

Indiana at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

No. 1 Indiana at No. 4 Michigan State

Time: 7 p.m.

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Indiana 23-3, 11-2 Big Ten; Michigan State 22-4, 11-2

Indiana stat leaders: Points – Cody Zeller (16.6 ppg); Rebounds – Zeller (8.2 rpg); Assists – Kevin Ferrell (4.3 apg); Steals – Victor Oladipo (2.3 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (14.1 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.0 rpg); Assists – Appling (4.0 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.8 spg).

Current Streaks: Indiana W3, Michigan State W5

Point Spread: Michigan State -1.5

Prediction: This game is about as big as it gets. The winner seems to have a pretty likely road to at least a share of the Big Ten title. If the Spartans bring the same energy they had last week against Michigan, I don’t see anyone beating them. Indiana should be better prepared for this game than the Wolverines were, and play an aggressive style of offense that is better suited to attack the MSU defense. In the first meeting, MSU was able to keep Cody Zeller from having a big game, but the Hoosiers still shot the ball very well, especially early in the game. Michigan State didn’t get much from Keith Appling due to foul trouble, so I expect him to have a big game Tuesday night. I think the Spartans will have plenty of confidence, and I think they have the better coach. Indiana isn’t going to go down quietly, but I do think the Hoosiers are going down in this one. It should be a classic. Michigan State 68, Indiana 65

Michigan State at Nebraska Breakdown & Prediction

No. 8 Michigan State at Nebraska

Time: 8 p.m.

Venue: Bob Devaney Sports Center

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Michigan State 21-4, 10-2 Big Ten; Nebraska 12-13, 3-9

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (14.0 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (6.7 rpg); Assists – Appling (4.0 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.8 spg).

Nebraska stat leaders: Points – Dylan Talley (13.2 ppg); Rebounds – Brandon Ubel (6.9 rpg); Assists – Talley/Benny Parker (2.4 apg); Steals – Ray Gallegos (1.4 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State W4, Nebraska L1

Point Spread: Michigan State -9.5

Prediction: Michigan State is coming off its best performance yet, so I expect somewhat of a letdown against the Cornhuskers. It won’t be a big enough of a letdown that MSU will lose, but the game will probably be closer than it should be. Nebraska has been respectable at home, going 9-5 overall. Michigan State’s defense should limit Nebraska, which is averaging just 58.6 points per game. The Spartans probably won’t be as aggressive on offense on Saturday compared to what it did on Tuesday. I think this game will be low scoring, but the Spartans should win comfortably. Michigan State 64, Nebraska 55

Michigan at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

No. 4 Michigan at No. 8 Michigan State

Time: 9 p.m.

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Michigan 21-3, 8-3 Big Ten; Michigan State 20-4, 9-2

Michigan stat leaders: Points – Trey Burke (18.2 ppg); Rebounds – Mitch McGary (6.1 rpg); Assists – Burke (7.1 apg); Steals – Burke (1.4 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (14.1 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (6.8 rpg); Assists – Appling (4.1 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.8 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan L1, Michigan State W3

Point Spread: Michigan -1

Prediction: This game is all someone like me can hope for. I don’t have an affiliation to either team, but know that when both teams are playing at a high level, it makes the rivalry that much better. This game is one of the biggest regular-season meetings between these two programs. The Big Ten title implications for this game are massive and you can feel the anticipation in the air. I would be disappointed if this was anything other than a great game. I expect it to be close throughout and come down to the final few possessions. I am sure the atmosphere at the Breslin Center will be tremendous. When it comes to the game, I think Michigan State can find plenty of points in the paint if they choose to be aggressive on offense. Mitch McGary has improved, but he is going to be tested trying to keep Derrick Nix out of the lane. Adreian Payne can be a tough matchup for the Wolverines as well because of his outside shooting and athleticism. For Michigan, the Wolverines need all hands on deck. In the road losses, there have been key players that have went missing. For the most part, Nik Stauskas and Glenn Robinson III have been the biggest culprits for disappearing in the big games. If Michigan can get the whole starting five involved, it can win tonight. However, it has been a trend for the Wolverines to have key players disappear, and I think that will happen again tonight. I have to pick against Michigan until it proves to me that it can win one of these big road games. I think Michigan has more talent, but they just haven’t been able to grind out a big win on the road. Michigan State is unbeaten at home for a reason and they have the better coach on the sidelines. Michigan State 69, Michigan 66

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

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

Illinois at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

Illinois at No. 13 Michigan State

Time: 7 p.m.

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Illinois 15-6, 2-5 Big Ten; MSU 17-4, 6-2

Illinois stat leaders: Points – Brandon Paul (17.9 ppg); Rebounds – Nnanna Egwu (4.9 rpg); Assists – Tracy Abrams (3.2 apg); Steals – D.J. Richardson (1.6 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.5 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (6.9 rpg); Assists – Appling (4.1 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.9 spg).

Current Streaks: Illinois L1; MSU L1

Point Spread: Michigan State -8.5

Prediction: Michigan State had a nice showing at Indiana, but the Spartans tend to play to their level of competition, so I expect this game to be somewhat close throughout. Illinois can be a dangerous team if they get hot from behind the arc, but I don’t think that will be the case at the Breslin Center. Look for Keith Appling to have a big game after his struggles at Indiana. He will lead MSU to the victory. Michigan State 66, Illinois 59

Michigan State at Indiana Breakdown & Prediction

No. 13 Michigan State at No. 7 Indiana

Time: 1 p.m.

Venue: Assembly Hall

TV: CBS

Records: Michigan State 17-3, 6-1 Big Ten; Indiana 17-2, 5-1

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (14.1 ppg); Rebounds – Derrick Nix (6.9 rpg); Assists – Appling (4.3 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.8 spg).

Indiana stat leaders: Points – Cody Zeller (16.4 ppg); Rebounds – Zeller (8.2 rpg); Assists – Kevin Ferrell (4.6 apg); Steals – Victor Oladipo (2.3 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State W6; Indiana W2

Point Spread: Indiana -9

Prediction: This game will give us a little insight as to how legit Michigan State is in the Big Ten title race. The Hoosiers are still considered to be one of the best, if not the best, team in the conference. Winning at Assembly Hall will be tough, but Michigan State can do so if it continues to play well on defense. Wisconsin was able to beat Indiana on the road with solid defense and timely shooting. Unfortunately for the Spartans, I don’t think they will get the offense they need. I also think that Indiana will give MSU problems in the post on both sides of the ball. MSU will keep it close, but Indiana will prove to be too tough in the end. Indiana 67, Michigan State 61

MSU defense making the Spartans a true contender

As I have watched Michigan State throughout the basketball season, I have been strong in my feelings that the Spartans aren’t a legit contender to win the Big Ten title.

When you watch their games, you just don’t see that “it” factor. I can’t say I can recall too many times where I have said out loud “that is some good basketball” when watching MSU.

However, the Spartans still find themselves 17-3 overall and 6-1 in the Big Ten. Michigan State may even be a top-10 team in the nation by the end of the week.

So, how are they doing it?

While the offense hasn’t always been stellar, the defense has been for the most part.

Michigan State is currently ranked in the top 25 in the nation in points allowed (57.8 ppg) and defensive field goal percentage (37.8%).

The defense has made up for the lack of offensive fire power and allows Michigan State to essentially be in the hunt to win every game it has played.

Outside of the loss to Minnesota, the Spartans have had a chance to win every game this season. They lost by eight to Miami (Wednesday night will tell us just how good the Hurricanes can be), and the loss to Connecticut to open the season was by just four points and could have easily been a win.

Michigan State still owns the top win of any Big Ten team this season in its win over Kansas. You could argue Wisconsin’s win at Indiana is bigger, but the Jayhawks are currently higher in the rankings.

Along with giving Kansas its lone loss, Michigan State held the Jayhawks to just 64 points, its third-lowest scoring total of the season.

On Tuesday night, Michigan State out-Wisconsined Wisconsin. The Spartans held the Badgers to a season-low in points in order to pick up a 49-47 victory, just the second win for MSU at Wisconsin in the Bo Ryan-era.

Since Big Ten play, the Spartans have held three opponents to their lowest or second-lowest total of the season (Wisconsin, Ohio State, Iowa). MSU also held Purdue to its fourth-lowest point total of the season and lowest total in Big Ten play.

Assuming the defensive effort will continue, if Michigan State can find its offense, the Spartans can be a very dangerous team in the Big Ten and nationally.

The Spartans’ biggest test comes on Sunday with a trip to Indiana. The Hoosiers struggled against the defense Wisconsin brought to the table, and Michigan State has better athletes than the Badgers.

Michigan State at Wisconsin Breakdown & Prediction

No. 13 Michigan State at Wisconsin

Time: 7 p.m.

Venue: Kohl Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Michigan State 16-3, 5-1 Big Ten; Wisconsin 13-5, 4-1

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.8 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.2 rpg); Assists – Appling (4.5 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.8 spg).

Wisconsin stat leaders: Points – Jared Berggren (12.7 ppg); Rebounds – Ryan Evans (7.6 rpg); Assists – Ben Brust (3.0 apg); Steals – Brust/Traevon Jackson (1.1 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State W5; Wisconsin L1

Point Spread: Wisconsin -6

Prediction: The Kohl Center has not been an easy place to play for any team, let alone Michigan State. Bo Ryan has always played Michigan State tough, but the Spartans have won three straight in this series, including one in OT at the Kohl Center. I think MSU would have had a better chance in this game had Wisconsin not been coming off a loss to Iowa. The Badgers should be pumped up and ready for this rivalry game. I think the Spartans will be up to the challenge, but I see the Badgers sneaking one out in a typical, ugly MSU vs. Wisconsin basketball game. Wisconsin 58, Michigan State 56

Ohio State at Michigan State Breakdown & Prediction

No. 11 Ohio State and No. 18 Michigan State

Time: 6 p.m.

Venue: Breslin Center

TV: ESPN

Records: Ohio State 13-3, 3-1 Big Ten; Michigan State 15-3, 4-1

Ohio State stat leaders: Points – Deshaun Thomas (20.3 ppg); Rebounds – Thomas (6.6 rpg); Assists – Aaron Craft (4.6 apg); Steals – Shannon Scott (2.0 spg).

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.7 ppg); Rebounds – Adreian Payne (7.2 rpg); Assists – Appling (4.5 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.8 spg).

Current Streaks: Ohio State W2; Michigan State W4

Point Spread: Michigan State -2

Prediction: Ohio State can be a good team, but the Buckeyes haven’t been that strong on the road. They seem too reliant on Deshaun Thomas and don’t have the same balance that Michigan State has. With this game being at home, I see the Spartans getting the victory. They should be able to game plan around Thomas and force someone else on Ohio State to beat them, which won’t happen. MSU will continue to spread the wealth on offense and pick up a nice win at home. Michigan State 65, Ohio State 60

MSU at Penn State Breakdown & Prediction

No. 18 Michigan State vs. Penn State

Time: 7 p.m.

Venue: Bryce Jordan Center

TV: Big Ten Network

Records: Michigan State 14-3, 3-1 Big Ten; Penn State 8-8, 0-4

Michigan State stat leaders: Points – Keith Appling (13.8 ppg); Rebounds – Derrick Nix/Adreian Payne (7.2 rpg); Assists – Appling (4.6 apg); Steals – Branden Dawson (1.9 spg).

Penn State stat leaders: Points – Tim Frazier (16.3 ppg); Rebounds – Ross Travis (7.6 rpg); Assists – Frazier/D.J. Newbill (3.8 apg); Steals – Frazier (2.3 spg).

Current Streaks: Michigan State W3; Penn State L4

Point Spread: Michigan State -12

Prediction: There aren’t many “easy” games in the Big Ten, but this one should be one of the easier ones for Michigan State. Penn State has struggled against lesser teams, losing to Purdue by 18 and Northwestern by 16. The Nittany Lions are one of the worst offensive teams in the country and shoot just 38.9 percent as a team. The Spartans tend to play to the level of their competition, but this is a game that I see them winning comfortably as they look to build some positive momentum heading into a very tough stretch of Big Ten games. Michigan State 72, Penn State 54.