Michigan State basketball will get one more chance to make a non-conference statement on Saturday against Baylor.
I’m a believer in the law of averages. This season so far has been way below average for our Michigan State basketball team. So that means something good is bound to happen, right? If my predictions mean anything, then our matchup with Baylor this afternoon will be memorable for us Spartan fans.
1. Michigan State gets off to a fast start
It seems weird to call this a “bold” prediction, but the way this season has gone, it most certainly is. Every big game this year, outside of Butler, it feels like we have come out of the gates starting slowly. Tennessee, Duke, Arizona, and Wisconsin come to mind immediately. These slow starts make it almost impossible to win the game, even when we mount our patented comebacks.
This game will be different. Michigan State will come out hot, firing on all cylinders, and force Baylor into an early timeout. Little Caesars Arena will sound like the Breslin Center after the Spartans take an early 15-5 lead.
2. AJ Hoggard flirts with a triple-double
AJ Hoggard hasn’t had the best start this season. But just like with our slow starts, that all changes in this game. AJ will get going early with some aggressive drives to the basket, opening up some kick-out 3-point opportunities for the rest of the team. Hoggard will also get it done on the glass, of which he is more than capable.
I predict AJ to finish with a double-double and only a couple of rebounds shy of a triple-double. Make it 24 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds for Hoggard’s best performance in a Spartan uniform.
3. Michigan State pulls off the upset
Again, Michigan State winning against any team usually isn’t a “bold” prediction. But when we’re unranked at 4-5 and your opponent is No. 6 and undefeated, that qualifies as bold in my book. Not only will Michigan State win, but it will lead this game wire-to-wire. After the Spartans get off to a fast start, they won’t ever look back. Baylor will make it interesting in the second half by cutting the lead to six, but we will pull away late and win by double digits.
My final prediction for this massive game? Make it MSU 78-64.
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