Wisconsin at Michigan State: 2021-22 college basketball game preview, TV schedule

Michigan State looks to rebound after losing to Rutgers, while Wisconsin looks to make a statement after a shaky win against Penn State. This game will be crucial in the race for the Big Ten regular-season race, as both teams are within two games of first place.

TV schedule: January 8, 2022, on Big Ten Network at 7:00 P.M

Location: Breslin Center

The Wisconsin Badgers go into this game with a record of 18-4. Their four losses have come against Illinois, Michigan State, Ohio State, Providence. Their best win has come against Purdue. The Badgers go into this game ranked 11th in the AP Poll.

Offensively, Wisconsin is led by Johnny Davis. Davis is averaging 20 points per game on 41 percent shooting. Davis is also averaging eight rebounds per game. The National Player of the year candidate leads the Badgers in all stats categories besides blocks.

The Michigan State Spartans go into this game with a record of 17-5. Their five losses have come against Rutgers, Northwestern, Kansas, Baylor, and Illinois. Their best win of the season has come against Wisconsin.  Michigan State goes into this game ranked 13th in the AP Poll.

Offensively, the Spartans are led by Gabe Brown. Brown is averaging 13 points per game on 42 percent shooting. Their offense is based primarily on assists. Michigan State has an assist to a field goal rate of 0.616. That is good for 15th in the nation.

In the first match-up between these Big Ten powerhouses, the Spartans took the edge in the second half and never looked back. Wisconsin will look to avenge their loss to MSU in this match-up.

Despite the result of the first match, Johnny Davis will lead the Badgers to a win. Michigan State will struggle to defend the player of the year candidate.

Prediction: Wisconsin 75, Michigan State 71