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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Oakland guard Jalen Moore Bkc Purdue Vs Oakland
Oakland guard Jalen Moore Bkc Purdue Vs Oakland /

6. Oakland Grizzlies

2021-22 record: 20-12 (12-7)

The Grizzlies had four guys that averaged over 12 ppg last season. Two of them are gone in San Diego State transfer Micah Parrish and last season’s Co-Horizon League Player of the Year Jamal Cain but sophomore forward Trey Townsend is back, along with Jalen Moore, who was second in the country with 7.6 apg.

Oakland is hoping for a pair of new power conference transfers to break out in Lorne Bowman and former Michigan State guard Rocket Watts. It’ll be an interesting storyline to see how he fairs against the Spartans’ backcourt and if the Grizzlies want any chance of an upset, will have to have a big night.

5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish

2021-22 record: 24-11 (15-5)

The Irish roster did lose two of their best players in leading scorer Blake Wesley in top big man Paul Atkinson Jr. But they return most of the rotation, including four 5th-year seniors. That includes 15 ppg scoring guard Dane Goodwin, along with stretch forward Nate Laszewski.

This is a group that’s one of the best three-point shooting teams in the country last season but the lack of frontcourt depth outside of Laszewski and needing top-30 freshman JJ Starling to come in and have an impact as the potential starting point guard makes them vulnerable. The Spartans could take advantage of this matchup.

4. VIillanova Wildcats

2021-22 record: 30-8 (16-4)

The fact that the Wildcats aren’t even in the top-3 speaks of how brutal this schedule is for Michigan State. But if they’re going to beat this Big East juggernaut, it’s right after head coach Jay Wright retired, while longtime starting point guard Collin Gillespie finally ran out of energy. And making matters worse, Justin Moore, who was second on the team with 14.8 ppg last season, is likely out until late December and very well will miss this game.

What Villanova does have is a pair of key returning veterans in Caleb Daniels and Eric Dixon, as well as incoming five-star wing Cam Whitmore. With this game at home, Michigan State should take advantage of no Coach Wright and no Moore to win this matchup. But you can never assume a win over this program.

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