The Spartans travel to the Gopher State to open Big Ten play on Wednesday. Here’s what you need to know.
Can you believe it’s already time for Big Ten Basketball? Our Spartans are set to begin conference play tonight against Minnesota. Here are the details for this matchup.
Who: Michigan State @ Minnesota
When: December 4th @ 8:30 PM
Where: Williams Arena; Minneapolis, MN
TV: BTN
Records: MSU (6-2); Minnesota (6-3)
Bet: MSU -5.5; over/under 130.5
Quick Facts About This Opponent: While Minnesota has a very similar record as us, their competition has been much different. The highest level of opposition they have faced has been Wichita State and Wake Forest, and they lost both of those games. As a team, they score only 64.4 points per game and they only have one player averaging in double figures, senior forward Dawson Garcia who is scoring 19.1 PPG. He also leads then in rebounds at 7 per game.
The Gophers are not shooting the ball well. They are converting 42.8% of their FGs, 29.3% of their 3s, and 61.4% of their FTs. In all three categories, they are 17th in the B1G. Only MSU has a worse three-point percentage. I can’t draw any conclusions about their defense as they have not had any real challenges yet, so their 58.9 PPG allowed needs to be taken with a grain of salt.
O’s Prediction: MSU will be at full force as Jase Richardson is set to play. The deep shot still gives us issues, but we have too much talent. Spartans win 73-61.
Game Thread: Y’all know what to do!