No.6 Michigan State(17-2)(8-0 conf.) has been playing their best basketball as of late winning 12 straight and coming off a 69-55 win over a very good Maryland team. While No.23 Iowa(16-3)(5-3 conf.) has been playing good basketball in their own right and is coming off a blowout victory over Illinois.
Why Michigan State Can Win:
Michigan State’s offense has been very good this season on offense averaging 83 points a game this season and they should be able to take advantage of an Iowa defense who has been horrible this season. The Hawkeyes have been giving up an average of 72 points a game this season and in two of their three losses they have given up 80 points or more. I think the struggling Iowa defense should give the Spartans a clear advantage on the offensive side of the ball.
Why Iowa Can Win:
With Iowa being poor on defense they have to score the basketball. With Michigan State’s defense being very good that will be hard to do. As the Spartans have only given up 66 points a game this season, while Iowa scores around 83 points a game this season. Iowa also needs to rebound the ball better as in their previous matchup earlier this season, Michigan State out rebounded the Hawkeyes 44-37.
Players to Watch:
Michigan State needs to take advantage of Iowa’s awful defense. So the need junior Cassuis Winston to continue his stellar play. Winston has averaged 18 points, two rebounds, and seven assists.
If Iowa wants any shot of winning this game they need a huge game from junior Tyler Cook. Cook has averaged 16 points, eight rebounds, and two assists while shooting 59% from the field.
Score Prediction:
I just don’t think Iowa is on the same level as Michigan State. The Hawkeyes defense is just not good enough to contain Michigan State and the Iowa offense will not be enough to keep up with them. After what I saw Michigan State do to a very good Maryland team, I got the Spartans in a blowout. Spartans: 80 Hawkeyes: 65
Image via: Bleacher Report
