Busting Brackets
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Michigan State Basketball: Ranking non-conference opponents for 2022-23 season

By Tristan Freeman

Nov 5, 2019; New York, NY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Ashton Hagans (0) attempts to steal the ball from Michigan State Spartans guard Cassius Winston (5) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2019; New York, NY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Ashton Hagans (0) attempts to steal the ball from Michigan State Spartans guard Cassius Winston (5) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Northern Arizona Lumberjacks guard Jalen Cone James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Northern Arizona Lumberjacks guard Jalen Cone James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Northern Arizona Lumberjacks

2021-22 record: 9-23 (5-15)

The Lumberjacks finished tied for last place in the Big Sky last season but did have six games with a score margin of fewer than six points. They do return their top four scorers from last season, led by Virginia Tech transfer Jalen Cone. He averaged 18.8 ppg and 3.6 apg but shot under 40% from the field overall.

NAU does have some decent size for a mid-major program in the frontcourt but the defense isn’t good and likely won’t be this upcoming season. If the Spartans can stop Cone from going off, then this game won’t be close at all.

8. Brown Bears

2021-22 record: 13-16 (5-9)

The Bears have become much more competitive in the Iyy League in recent years but may take a step back after losing both leading scorer and rebounder Tamenang Choh, as well as two-time Defensive Player of the Year Jaylan Gainey. That’s devastating the frontcourt but guard Kino Lilly Jr. is back after averaging 13.3 ppg as a freshman.

Returning starters Paxson Wojcik and Dan Friday will have to have a larger role in the offense, while Nana Owusu-Anane is set to be the new focal point of the frontcourt. Michigan State will be the big favorite in this one and should dominate inside.

7. Buffalo Bulls

2021-22 record: 19-11 (13-6)

The perennial MAC contender is going to have a tough task staying afloat this season after losing their top three scorers, including 19.1 ppg scorer Jeenathan Williams. With over 60% of the offensive production gone, Buffalo will need new guys to step up. There are several newcomer transfers, including Sy Chatman (Illinois State), Armoni Foster (IUPUI), and Isaiah Adams (UCF).

5th-year senior Maceo Jack will have to have a big game for the Bulls to have a shot at keeping this game close but head coach Jim Whitesell is highly respective and is capable of forming a roster that is competitive in league play. Whether that helps them early on in the non-conference remains to be seen.

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