The Michigan State Spartans aim to enter Big Ten play on a high note by feasting on an easy week of home games, starting with Cleveland State.
TV Schedule: Friday, December 29, 6:00 pm E.T., BTN
Arena: Breslin Center, East Lansing, Michigan
One loss to the top-ranked team in the nation does little to disavow Michigan State’s non-conference resume. They could only harm their status over the next week, however.
Before starting Big Ten play, the Spartans will host Cleveland State and Savannah State on their home court.
Since their loss to Duke, the Spartans have been destroying any and all comers. Of their 12 victories, all 12 have been by double digits. They stomp their foot on the gas and don’t let up.
It helps to have solid teamwork as the foundation of a team with Final Four aspirations. Their 20.3 assists per game is second in the nation, only behind the Blue Devils. It also helps to have Miles Bridges, who is quietly living up to the hype — he’s one of five Spartans averaging double-figure scoring.
The Cleveland State Vikings are trending in the opposite direction. Since their memorable 2009 NCAA Tournament upset of Wake Forest, the Vikings have fallen on some tough times. They’ve won less than ten games in consecutive seasons, with coach Gary Waters retiring after last season’s struggles.
Former Georgia coach Dennis Felton is in the first year of his tenure, trying to rebuild the Horizon League program.
Cleveland State is just 3-9 this season, with one of those victories coming against a non-Division I opponent. One of their biggest weaknesses is on the boards, where their 31.2 rebounds per game is bottom 15 in the country; rebounding is one of Michigan State’s strengths.
For Michigan State, it’s a matter of avoiding complacency and staying healthy. For Cleveland State, the goal should be keeping it close and avoiding embarrassment.
There’s real potential for the Spartans to reel off their third consecutive 40-plus point victory.
Prediction: Michigan State 93, Cleveland State 61