Penn State looks to continue the downfall of the Spartans tonight at 7:00ET on the Big Ten Network. Michigan State(13-10, 5-6) is probably the most disappointing story this year in the college basketball world. They were ranked number two in the nation at one point and now have fallen clear out of the rankings and are out of the NCAA Tournament at this point.
Michigan State now sits on the bubble and needs to beat Penn State(12-10, 5-6) tonight at home to remain in the talks for the NCAA Tournament. If they lose, it will probably be an extremely hard uphill battle for the Spartans to make the NCAA Tournament.
Last time Penn State met Michigan State, they played at Penn State and Michigan State fell 66-62. That game signaled the Spartans downfall in the Big Ten.
On the flip side, Penn State really needs this win. In the last game for the Nittany Lions, they faced a Michigan team that was supposed to be one of the last easy wins they could get. It turned out to not be so easy as Penn State fell 65-62. It was a big blow to their NCAA hopes. That is why tonight, getting a win means a lot.
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Penn State's Jeff Brooks probably won't play today, as he is recovering from a dislocated shoulder. That could hurt Penn State as they are going to need him for rebounding. He is the teams second leading scorer with 13 points per game and is the rebounding leader on the team with seven boards per game.
That puts the weight on the shoulders of Talor Battle who averages 24 points per game. He will need to have a big game and will need others to step up and rebound the basketball.
For Michigan State, three names: Kalin Lucas, Durrell Summers and Draymond Green. They will all need to have a nice game. The defensive end will be key in this game for the Spartans, with Penn State losing Brooks.
Overall, I think Michigan State does win this game. With Brooks probably not playing, I just don't think the Nittany Lions can do it. But I could be wrong, the Breslin Center is less than intimidating this year and Michigan State is known this season for their flops. This could be one of them.