Getting the Owls from ‘whooo’ to ‘whooops!’
The Spartans are back in action for the second time this week after a solid second half against Oakland U in Detroit on Tuesday night. We are returning to East Lansing, playing host to the FAU Owls. Here are the details for this matchup.
Who: Michigan State vs. Florida Atlantic University
When: December 21st @ 2 PM
Where: Breslin Center; East Lansing, MI
TV: FS1 (Fox Sports 1)
Records: MSU (9-2); FAU (7-5)
Bet: MSU -12.5; O/U: 158.5
Quick Facts About This Opponent: FAU Owls are coming into the game following a week off since the last of three wins in their (3-0) December so far. They topped Texas State last Saturday (Dec 14th) and Jacksonville the Tuesday prior (Dec 10th) in Boca Raton after a road win at FIU in Miami on Dec 4th. The Owls are shooting 48% overall and 38% from deep and the Flatlanticians grabbed a solid win against Oklahoma State before losing to both Drake and Seton Hall just prior to Turkey Day. (Weirdly (10-0) Drake is creeping up the boards of teams getting noticed.) The Owls have five guys averaging above 10 points per game with their top scorer, Lousiville transfer Kaleb Glenn, averaging about 14, and big man, Florida State transfer Baba Miller, bringing in 11 points and ~7.5 boards per game (the latter also has 16 blocks and 14 steals… and 27 turnovers). This will be FAU’s final game before starting their AAC conference season against Memphis on January 2nd – not exactly a tune-up but one they might be able to learn and build from.
Brian’s Prediction: Booker hit a career high for points and the team flipped a switch for the second half of play against Oakland. We’re seeing the depth of the team really paying benefits as opponents get worn down on the boards and break, and selfless play grows. That should continue and lead to a win today. Despite the assorted Michigan Snowbirds long having departed for Boca Raton themselves, the Bres will be hoppin’ and I don’t think the Florida team is going to enjoy the trip up to the cold. MSU should grab another win over the Owls this year (Football beat them back in August to open the season).
Game Thread: Please do that voodoo that you do!