The Michigan State Spartans travel to the Kohl Center on Wednesday to take on the 20th ranked Badgers. Michigan State is 1-3 in their last four games, snapping a 3-game losing streak last Saturday at home with a convincing 24 point victory of Minnesota.
A Must Have
Wisconsin is coming off a 9 point loss to Michigan on the road. This was a tough loss for the Badgers, a close game, and was a must win to stay on pace with Purdue and Michigan atop the Big Ten standings.
This is truly a must win game for both teams! Michigan State, who is looking for their 20th win this season, needs this game to stick with a surging Michigan team leading Purdue by just a half game in the regular season standings. Wisconsin, who is a full two games out, needs this game for another signature win in boosting their seed come March.
Keys to the Game
Kenny Goins, Michigan State’s do-it-all player, is questionable for the game with an elbow injury that he received during the last game against Minnesota, in which he only played seven minutes. On top of that, Michigan State needs Nick Ward and Matt McQuaid to step up often in early if they have any chance to win. Winston, the do-it-all point guard will get his, as he always does!
For Wisconsin, they’ll need Brad Davidson and D’Mitrik Trice (brother of MSU stud Travis Trice) to shoot the lights out all game if Michigan State is going to double team Ethan Happ. Ethan Happ, much like Cassius Winston will get his, as we’ve grown accustomed to seeing. Most importantly, this is a huge game for the Badgers, who’ll use any means necessary to win… We’re looking at you, Brad Davidson.
Predictions and Prayers
For my sanity and a good nights sleep, I am hoping the Spartans can pull of a huge road Big Ten victory like they did earlier in the season. However, my prediction is not skewed by my Spartan roots! I predict that Wisconsin will win in a similar fashion as the Wolverines did against the Badgers just four days ago, only they will be the team that gets the last laugh and signature dunk.