Michigan State basketball will face Purdue for the second time in the last couple of weeks, looking for a massive upset.
Michigan State basketball is riding high after its opening-round 77-67 win over Minnesota in the Big Ten Tournament. However, the Spartans can’t dwell on that for too long as another game is right around the corner. The No. 3 Purdue Boilermakers await the Spartans in the quarterfinals in what will be a huge test for MSU.
Can the Spartans get it done?
Before the game tips off, let’s remind ourselves how game one went and give a quick prediction on this Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals matchup.
Game one recap
The one and only matchup between MSU and Purdue took place recently, as I’m sure you all remember. Michigan State traveled to Purdue just four games ago and lost a close one 80-74. All things considered, a six-point road loss to Purdue isn’t all that bad, but the Spartans had a legit chance to win this game.
Michigan State got off to a fast start in this game, blitzing the Boilermakers early and taking a 24-16 lead. However, Purdue fought back and actually took a 38-35 lead at the break.
Purdue extended their halftime lead all the way to 15 points five minutes into the second half, but MSU didn’t give up. It was then the Spartans’ turn to fight back, getting the game as close as three points. Purdue, however, was able to hold on and win the game 80-74.
Game two prediction
I’m sure all of us have some confidence going into this game, more than we maybe thought we would. That’s what a close six-point loss on the road to Purdue will do. Now that the game is on a neutral court, anything seems possible to me.
We also need to factor in a few other things, such as Michigan State’s guards all having an elite game against Minnesota on Thursday. Purdue also historically struggles in postseason tournaments, so maybe that trend will continue.
All in all, predicting a Michigan State victory over Purdue isn’t an easy (or smart) thing to do this year. But who said I was that smart? I think MSU’s guards will shine once again and do a better job defensively against the Boilermaker guards. Zach Edey likely will still dominate down low, but that’s OK as long as Michigan State keeps everyone else in check.
Final score: Michigan State 73, Purdue 72
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