Michigan State vs. Wisconsin: College basketball game preview, TV schedule
Michigan State needs to win this Big Ten Tournament to keep their hopes alive for a one seed. But will an upset-minded Wisconsin team end those hopes?
TV schedule: Friday, March 2, 12:00 p.m. ET. Big Ten Network
Arena: Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York
Welcome to the quarterfinals of the 2018 Big Ten Tournament. We’ve seen some great action from Thursday’s earlier games, with Michigan needing overtime to hold off of the Iowa Hawkeyes.
The other game had bubble consequences, as Wisconsin defeated Maryland to all but send the Terrapins to the NIT. The final score was 59-54, where the shots simply weren’t falling. Both teams combined to shoot 5/32 from the field, with Ethan Happ leading the Badgers in points with 14.
Now Wisconsin 15-17 (7-11) has a quick turnaround, playing a noon game against Michigan State 28-3 (16-2), the top seed in this event. The Spartans had a double-bye, so will be playing in Madison Square Garden for the first time this season.
Tom Izzo’s team will be playing the Badgers in back-to-back games, after beating them in the regular season finale, 68-63. The stars for each team struggled starting with Miles Bridges going 3/15 from the field for 10 points and eight boards. Happ went 6/17 for 13 points.
Freshman Brad Davidson went off for the Badgers, going for a career-high 30 points on 10/19 shooting. Cassisus Winston led the way for Michigan State, scoring 20 points while making all six three-point attempts.
In the first meeting, the Spartans had a much easier time at home, winning 76-61. Winston had 17, but Bridges was much better in this one, scoring 24 points. Happ had 23, but was only one of two players in double-digits in scoring.
Next: 2018 Big Ten Conference Tournament preview
Michigan State is riding a 12 game winning streak, after struggling in the middle part of the season. Wisconsin has been inconsistent at best, but has shown the capability of beating a top team. The consecutive NCAA Tournament streak will likely end on Friday, but it won’t be without a hard fight.
Prediction: Michigan State 74 – Wisconsin 70