14. Michigan State (13-2)
Despite many offseason changes and some shooting struggles this year, the Spartans haven’t lost a game since late November and are playing some pretty great basketball. Those early losses to Kansas and Memphis are certainly forgivable and the winning streak that’s followed has seen Tom Izzo’s squad playing inspired basketball, including wins away from home over North Carolina and Ohio State.
The Spartans added just one more total to that active winning streak but it was quite the doozy on Thursday night. While much of the country tuned into college football, Michigan State threw an opening punch and coasted to an 88-54 win against Washington. Jaden Akins led with 20 points, Jeremy Fears Jr. added 12 points and 10 assists, and the Spartans did more than enough to notch another conference win.
You could call that the easiest game in league play for the Spartans, but their 4-0 mark hasn’t been super easy, including a pair of solid road wins during this 8-game winning streak. Thursday’s effort was clearly one of their best of the season and their second blowout at home in league play. If East Lansing is a raucous homefield advantage, perhaps the Spartans can contend for a league title? They’re at Northwestern on Sunday before welcoming Penn State to town next week.