Chief Editor
Loading ...
After a slow start to the season, the Michigan State Spartans dominated the sixth-ranked Baylor Bears. Now the Spartans welcome the Sycamores of Indiana State in a game that looks highly dangerous for the Spartans. The Sycamores have won ten straight and are the best three-point shooting team in the nation. This game should be interesting, and if the Trees are hitting their threes, the upset can happen!
Michigan State found its mojo in their win against Baylor, but will the Spartans maintain that momentum after taking a week off? MSU did experience one loss during its break: highly touted freshman point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. suffered leg injuries during a shooting incident – an essential piece in its rotation which will now have to make do without his services. Michigan State’s Spartans are led by senior guard Tyson Walker, who averages 19.8 points on 48.6% shooting. Other players to keep an eye out for on Michigan State courts include senior guard A.J. Hoggard (10.8 PPG and 5.1 APG), junior guard Jaden Akins (10.4 PPG and 4.3 RPG), senior forward Malik Hall (9.3 PPG and 4.5 RPG), and sophomore guard Tre Holloman (6 PPG and 3.2 APG).
MSU ranks 145th nationally with an average score of 76.4 points on 47.8 per cent shooting (55th), including 33.9 per cent from long distance (165th). They shoot 67.9 per cent of free throws (282nd), average 34.3 rebounds per game (135th), 18.4 assists (15th) and 10.8 turnovers (75th) per contest.
Michigan State allows 63.7 points per game (35th), their opponents shooting 37.9 per cent (14th), 29.7 per cent from beyond the 3-point line (64th) and 30.7 rebounds per game (137th). They average 4.8 blocks (41st), 7.3 steals (113th) and 16.1 personal fouls per game (16th).
KenPom ranks MSU 21st nationally. They rank 38th for offensive efficiency, 10th in defensive efficiency and 300th for tempo (schedule adjusted). MSU has had one of the toughest schedules this season at 58th place overall.
Β
Indiana State has enjoyed an impressive start to their campaign, having only lost to Alabama this year. Their KenPom rating of 60th places them as having only faced the 280th-toughest schedule. Can Indiana State make an impressionful statement at East Lansing tomorrow afternoon? ISU is led by junior guard Isaiah Swope, who averages 19.0 points on 49.0% shooting (43.8 per cent from three-point range). Additionally, the Sycamores receive contributions from sophomore center Robbie Avila (16.5 PPG, 6.6 RPG and 4.2 APG), sophomore guard Ryan Conwell (15.5 PPG and 4.8 RPG), Jayson Kent (12.9 PPG and 6.4 RPG) and Julian Larry (11.3 PPG and 3.8 APG).
Indiana State averages 88.2 points per game (9th), shooting 52.4 percent (3rd overall and 41.3 percent from three-point range (5th). They convert 75.0 per cent of free throw attempts (55th) and average 32.3 rebounds (223rd), 17.5 assists (22nd) and 11.8 turnovers (128th) per game.
ISU Sycamores give up 70.8 points per game (180th), and their opponents shoot 43.0 per cent (191st), with 29.1 rebounds per game (64th). On average, ISU averages 2.1 blocks (321st), 6.8 steals (154) and 18.0 personal fouls (234th) per game.
Indiana State ranks 33rd nationally for offensive efficiency, 101st for defensive efficiency, and 30th in terms of schedule-adjusted tempo (KenPom).
This game has been circled since the start of the season in Terre Haute, and make no mistake, the Sycamores are talented enough to keep it close, and if the threes are falling, they can win this game. 10.5 points is too much to give in this game; take the Sycamores and the points.
21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.