The Spartans host the Cornhuskers in Big Ten play on Saturday. Here’s what you need to know.
After picking up an impressive road win to start conference play this past week, MSU looks to go 2-0 in the Big Ten when they host Nebraska today. Here are the details for this matchup.
Who: Michigan State vs. Nebraska
When: December 7th @ 12 PM
Where: Breslin Center; East Lansing, MI
TV: BTN
Records: MSU (7-2); Nebraska (6-1)
Bet: MSU -6.5; over/under 147.5
Quick Facts About This Opponent: Like Minnesota, Nebraska comes into this game having not played a team from a major conference. That said, they do have a victory over Creighton, a win that looks even more impressive in the wake of the Bluejays’ toppling of #1 Kansas the other night. Nebraska’s lone loss came at the hands of St. Mary’s, who will probably be a tournament team this season.
The Cornhuskers have a trio of guys scoring in double digits – Brice Williams (18.4), Connor Essegian (14.7), and Juwan Gary (10.9). As a whole, their 83.3 PPG is fifth in the Big Ten, but their 46.2% FG shooting is 10th in the conference, and their 31.4% from 3 is 14th. Defensively, they are giving up 68 PPG. Their +5.4 rebound differential is good for 5th in the conference, but not as good as MSU’s +9.4 (2nd). The Cornhuskers get to the free-throw line a conference-leading 26.7 times per game, and they are converting at 77.5%. MSU is going to need to be disciplined on defense to not send today’s nemesis to the line for freebies.
O’s Prediction: After seeing Wednesday night’s victory, my optimism for this season’s potential is growing. In this game, I think MSU needs to exploit their size advantage and continue to feed the bigs in the paint. If MSU can continue to win the points in the paint matchup, they should pick up another win today. I believe they will do just that. Let’s call it 82-67.
Game Thread: Y’all know what to do!