Michigan State vs. DePaul: College basketball game preview, TV schedule

TULSA, OK - MARCH 19: The Michigan State Spartans mascot performs prior to the game against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 19, 2017 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

The Michigan State Spartans open the PK80 Tournament against the DePaul Blue Demons. Can the Big East get the better of the Big Ten on Thanksgiving?

TV Schedule: Thursday, Nov. 23, 11:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Arena: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon

The good news for the DePaul Blue Demons is that they are slowly bringing in more talent to the program and things are looking up.

However, up from rock bottom is pretty low, and it is about to get worse as they open the PK80 Tournament against the No. 4 Michigan State Spartans.

Michigan State bounced back from their early loss with a 22 point win over Stony Brook and will look to continue their momentum against the Blue Demons.

Tom Izzo did say that it is unlikely that Miles Bridges plays tomorrow due to an ankle injury (per ESPN), but, if we’re being real, Michigan State should already list him out against this inferior DePaul squad and call it a night.

In all honesty, I think that there are only three elite teams in college basketball. Michigan State is one of them, and the others are the Arizona Wildcats (who just lost to NC State) and Duke Blue Devils. Their loss to Duke this early in the season will be disappointing, but it will be extra motivation to win if the two face off later on with more at stake than just the bragging rights of remaining undefeated.

Michigan State wins big over a sad but improving DePaul team. It should not even be close.

Prediction: Michigan State 85, DePaul 66

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