Michigan State and Louisville are battling for their respected conferences in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. What are the biggest keys in this particular matchup?
Coming into the season, it was uncertain how good Louisville (3-2) would be with a completely different roster under new head coach Chris Mack. But the Cardinals have been impressive, even if they went winless in last week’s Nit Season Tip-Off.
Louisville held tough for 30+ minutes against the No.5 ranked Tennessee Volunteers, before losing in overtime the following night to the Marquette Golden Eagles. In a tournament featuring two top-5 programs and an offensive juggernaut, the Cardinals looked like they belong.
But Louisville won’t be able to take a break from the tough schedule, with a date with Michigan State (5-1) coming up. After losing in the opener against Kansas, the team has won five straight games, including wins over UCLA and Texas to win the Las Vegas Invitational.
After the defensive masterpieces that Michigan displayed in the week prior, the Wolverines actually jumped the Spartans in the national rankings. However, Michigan State showed why they were – and still should be the favorites in the Big Ten.
Both of these teams participated in last season’s ACC/Big Ten Challenge. Michigan State defeated Notre Dame 81-63, while Louisville fell to Purdue, 66-57.
The Spartans look to continue the team’s positive momentum while the Cardinals will want to avoid a three-game skid, with a road bout at Seton Hall up next. Here are the keys to this contest that may determine the winner of this game.