Sports blog information from USA TODAY.
One of the most well-regarded MSU football assistants is coming back home
Wil and Matt talk about Michigan State cruising to a win over Nebraska. Then they discuss the returns of Connor Heyward and Harlon Barnett to Michigan State football.
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You can find the episode on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.
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Michigan State and Nebraska face off this week in a Big Ten matchup. Here are the five most important MSU players in this game.
Another Big Ten road basketball game is here for the Michigan State Spartans. This time, MSU takes on the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the Pinnacle Bank Arena. Both teams desperately need a victory as the season comes to a close.
Here are the five most important players in this game:
Gabe Brown did not score a single point against the Maryland Terpins. As a matter of fact, Brown has scored only nine points in the past five games. MSU desperately needs double-digit scoring from Brown in each and every game. Especially as Aaron Henry continues to struggle down the stretch.
Thomas Kithier played 22 minutes against Maryland which is more playing time than Marcus Bingham Jr., Malik Hall, & Julius Marble combined. Kithier just might be in the starting lineup against Nebraska. As a result, he must be on his A-game near the rim on both ends of the court.
Aaron Henry scored nine points vs. the Terpins but really struggled more often than not. Henry turned the ball over at inopportune times and also missed all three of his shots from beyond the arc. Aaron did make some smart plays, finding teammates for good looks. Even a tiny improvement from Henry against Nebraska goes a very long way for MSU.
Malik Hall is only a freshman but he must play better. In particular, Hall must be cautious with foul trouble. Refs hit Hall with phantom calls often. Therefore, he must be meticulous with how he guards against opponents. Anything is better than his performance against the Terpins.
Marcus Bingham Jr. is reliable on the defensive end of the court thanks to his foot speed and impressive wingspan. Unfortunately, he is all over when it comes to his offensive performance. Bingham could be a huge help if he remains efficient on offense against Nebraska. Especially as a stout rim protector against the Cornhusker’s Guard heavy rotation.
Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman played showed up to play against Maryland. As a result, neither make this list. The Spartans need everyone else to step up and make plays.
Cheer on the Spartans this Thursday at 8:30 P.M. on FS1.
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Michigan State Basketball plays against Nebraska this upcoming Thursday. Here are three things to watch in this Big Ten matchup.
Michigan State Basketball travels to the Pinnacle Bank Arena for a game against Nebraska this Thursday. The Spartans are currently 17-9 overall and 9-6 in Big Ten Conference games. Nebraska, on the other hand, is 7-18 overall and 2-12 in Big Ten Conference games.
Here are three things to watch in this game:
Nebraska has lost ten straight games against Big Ten opponents. This includes losses against Ohio State, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Penn State, and two losses against Wisconsin. Furthermore, Nebraska loses to opponents by an average of 10.8 points. Michigan State can take advantage of this losing streak and add another loss to the Cornhusker’s resume. At the same time, this is a recipe for a big-time upset.
Michigan State just suffered a really difficult loss at home to the Maryland Terpins. The Spartans battled back from a 15 point deficit only to eventually lose anyway. To make matter worse, Maryland Guard Anthony Cowan Jr. sauced up MSU’s defense. The Spartans must respond with a strong statement game after this poor performance. Watch for their composure and discipline in this game.
Malik Hall got the start over Marcus Bingham Jr. against Maryland but that did not go very well. Not even Bingham got a lot of playing time vs. the Terpins. Instead, Kithier ate up plenty of minutes. Who knows what the starting lineup will look like against Nebraska. Keep an eye out on any changes before tip-off this Thursday.
The Spartans and the Cornhuskers play at 8:30 P.M. The game broadcasts live on FS1. Stay with us here on SpartansWire for more coverage of this game and Michigan State Basketball.
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Michigan State Basketball faces off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at the Breslin Center. Here is a scouting report of Nebraska.
Michigan State basketball faces Nebraska for the first time this season on Thursday, Feb. 20. The Spartans are fresh off of a tough loss to Maryland at the Breslin Center. Nebraska just lost to Wisconsin 81-64.
Here is a scouting report of this Nebraska team:
Nebraska currently ranks ninth in Big Ten points per game with 71.4 points per game. Also, they are last in field goal percentage with 42% and eighth in three-point percentage with 33%. So Nebraska is towards the bottom of the Big Ten in terms of offensive production.
The Cornhuskers are sixth in Big Ten assists per game with 14.6 and twelfth in rebounds per game with 35.4. Michigan State ranks ahead of them in both categories. As a result, the Spartans should take advantage of this uneven offensive matchup. MSU can play Nebraska off the court with a high pace of play and good shot selection.
The Nebraska roster is rather Guard heavy in terms of talent. As a result, the Cornhuskers are fifth in steals per game with 6.52. Their best guards are Haanif Cheatham, Cam Mack, and Dachon Burke Jr., and Thorir Thorbjarnarson. Each player brings something different to the table.
Thorir Thorbjarnarson is fourth in Big Ten three-point percentage, shooting 43% from deep. Cam Mack is third Big Ten assists per game with 6.6 assists per game. Also, both Mack and Dachon Burke Jr. amongst the top ten Big Ten players in steals per game.
Haanif Cheatham, Cam Mack, and Dachon Burke Jr. all rank in the top 25 Big Ten players in terms of points per game. Cheatham ranks 19 with 12.4 points per game, Mack ranks 20 with 12.4 points per game, and Burke Jr. ranks 23 with 11.4 points per game.
Note, Nebraska does give up an interior defense with this Guard heavy lineup. This program is last in Big Ten blocks per game with 2.28 blocks per game. As a matter of fact, Burke Jr. leads Nebraska in blocks per game with 0.63 blocks per game. So Michigan State can exploit this lack of interior defense with size in the paint.
The Spartans play the Cornhuskers at 8:30 P.M. on FS1 this Thursday. Tune-in to the game and stay locked on SpartansWire for plenty of coverage to come.
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