Michigan State Spartans vs Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Game Preview and Prediction

Image credits: Dale Young-Imagn Images

The Michigan State Spartans are set to face off against the Wisconsin Badgers in a highly anticipated basketball game, with both teams vying for a top spot in the Big Ten standings. The Spartans, led by guards Jaden Akins and Jase Richardson, have been on a hot streak, winning four games in a row, including victories over Illinois, Purdue, Michigan, and Maryland. Their most recent win against Maryland was capped off by a buzzer-beating shot from Tre Holloman, which helped the team stay in first place.

The Badgers, on the other hand, are looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss to Oregon and are currently ranked third in the Big Ten with a 12-5 record. They will be without starting guard Max Klesmit, who is dealing with a lower leg injury, and will rely on the likes of John Tonje and John Blackwell to lead the team. The Badgers have been impressive in February, winning six out of seven games, including a 10-point victory over Purdue and a 21-point win over Illinois. Tonje's 19.3 points per game in league play is fifth-most in the Big Ten, while Blackwell's emergence has been a huge part of Wisconsin's success.

The game is set to be played at the Breslin Center, with the Spartans looking to take advantage of their home court advantage. The team's defensive efficiency has been a key factor in their success, ranking sixth in the nation according to KenPom. The Spartans have also been impressive on the rebounding front, leading the Big Ten in both offensive and defensive rebounding. The Badgers, meanwhile, have been strong on the offensive end, ranking seventh in the nation in offensive efficiency. They have also been impressive from beyond the arc, shooting 38% from three-point range in conference games.

Here are the projected lineups for both teams:

• MSU: C (10) Szymon Zapala (7-0) 5.0, F (0) Jaxon Kohler (6-9) 7.8, G (3) Jaden Akins (6-4) 12.7, G (11) Jase Richardson (6-3) 11.0, PG (1) Jeremy Fears Jr. (6-2) 7.0
• Wisconsin: C (22) Steven Crowl (7-0) 9.6, PF (31) Nolan Winter (6-9) 9.8, G (9) John Tonje (6-5) 19.5, G (25) John Blackwell (6-4) 15.2, G (11) Max Klesmit (6-4) 9.7

The game is expected to be a closely contested matchup, with the Spartans looking to take advantage of their home court advantage and the Badgers seeking to pull off an upset on the road. The betting line has the Spartans as 4.5-point favorites, but the Badgers have the talent and depth to give them a run for their money.

In terms of team statistics, the Spartans have been impressive on both ends of the court, with a 14-3 record in the Big Ten and a 23-5 overall record. They have also been strong in terms of rebounding, blocking, and free-throw shooting. The Badgers, meanwhile, have been impressive on the offensive end, with a 12-5 record in the Big Ten and a 22-6 overall record. They have also been strong in terms of three-point shooting and defensive rebounding. Here are the current Big Ten standings:

• MSU: 14-3
• Michigan: 14-3
• Wisconsin: 12-5
• Maryland: 11-6
• Purdue: 10-7

The game is set to tip off at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, with the Spartans looking to take a crucial step towards securing a Big Ten championship. With the Badgers seeking to stay in the race, this game is expected to be a thrilling matchup between two of the top teams in the conference.

wisconsin michigan badger basketball state spartan msu prediction efficiency john