Michigan State’s men’s basketball team is gearing up for a crucial road game against in-state rival Michigan on Saturday, February 17, at 8 p.m. The Spartans previously defeated Michigan 81-62 at home last month. Michigan State has been on a winning streak, securing victories in their last two games, four of their last five, and 12 of their last 16 games.
The Spartans, with a 16-9 overall record and an 8-6 record in the Big Ten, are ranked No. 21 in the NET rankings, No. 15 in KenPom, and No. 17 in the ESPN BPI. They are also ranked No. 14 in the BartTorvik.com tempo free stats, No. 24 in adjusted offensive efficiency, and No. 19 in defensive efficiency. Michigan State boasts strong defensive stats, ranking No. 21 in the country in FG% defense (40.1%) and No. 37 in scoring defense (65.9 ppg). They also excel in FG% (47.6%), assists per game (17.2), and assist/turnover ratio (1.75).
The Spartans have a balanced scoring attack, with four players averaging in double figures and 10 players contributing at least 3.0 points per game. Graduate guard Tyson Walker leads the team in scoring with 18.4 points per game, while graduate forward Malik Hall is second with 12.5 points per game. Senior guard A.J. Hoggard and junior guard Jaden Akins both average 11.4 points per game. Sophomore guard Tre Holloman, senior forward Mady Sissoko, sophomore center Carson Cooper, freshman forward Coen Carr, and freshman forward Xavier Booker also contribute to the team’s scoring.
Michigan, on the other hand, has struggled this season, with an 8-16 overall record and a 3-11 mark in the Big Ten. They have lost their last two games and seven of their last eight overall. The Wolverines are ranked No. 7 in the Big Ten in scoring offense (75.7 ppg) and No. 14 in scoring defense (79.1 ppg). In league games only, Michigan is 11th in scoring offense (69.8 ppg) and 13th in scoring defense (79.1 ppg).
Michigan leads the all-time series against Michigan State, 104-89. However, the Spartans have won eight of the last 12 meetings. Michigan State is 32-65 all-time at Michigan, and the Wolverines have won the last four games at home. Head coach Tom Izzo has a career record of 33-21 against Michigan.
The game will be broadcast live on FOX, with Gus Johnson and Jim Jackson providing commentary.
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