Michigan State Basketball: Game preview, prediction vs. FGCU
Michigan State basketball hosts Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday evening and here’s everything you need to know.
Michigan State basketball got off to a slow start this season, losing its first two games to Arizona and Kentucky. Not many teams have that type of grueling schedule, but Tom Izzo isn’t afraid to play anyone, anywhere, any time.
That rough early stretch looked to prepare the Spartans for a cupcake matchup against Mississippi Valley State as they improved in just about every facet, winning 100-53 and finishing with 33 assists and a plethora of three-point makes.
With Florida Gulf Coast coming to town, the former Lob City, the Spartans need to ramp it up defensive in order to come out on top. Through three games, Brandon Goodwin has been the top performer for the Eagles, averaging 20 points, shooting 55 percent from the field and 46 percent from three-point range.
Keep an eye on Zach Johnson as well who averages 15.7 yards per game. The Eagles aren’t the best rebounding team, though, which bodes well for the Spartans.
Here’s how to watch Sunday’s Michigan State basketball game:
Date: Sunday, Nov. 20
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
Location: East Lansing, MI
Venue: Breslin Center
TV: Big Ten Network
Live Stream: BTN2Go
Keys to Victory
Just like the Spartans did against Mississippi Valley State, they need to continue to work for the best shot. Michigan State had 33 assists in the game and that just went to show how good of a shooting team this can be if the right shot is taken.
Defensively, defending the perimeter is a must. Florida Gulf Coast is making about 44 percent of its three-pointers through three games. Along with that, out-rebounding this team won’t be easy, but the Spartans have been able to out-rebound every team this season other than Arizona, in which it tied the battle of the boards.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Michigan State -14
Over/Under: 144
Prediction
Miles Bridges will have yet another big game for the Spartans, scoring 19 points and grabbing eight rebounds, but Nick Ward will steal some of the thunder in the post. I expect the big man to finish with a double-double, the first of many in his career. The Spartans will keep it close for a half and then pull away late yet again.
Final: Florida Gulf Coast 68, Michigan State 80
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