Indiana Basketball vs Michigan State: Preview, Game info, and Prediction

Indiana basketball welcomes in No. 6 Michigan State this weekend looking to add to their tournament resume, and get another needed win.

Following Michigan State’s loss to Indiana earlier this season, they have now won five in a row, following a couple game losing streak, looking to get revenge from February 2.

In a game that went to overtime, Indiana was in control of the game for most of final 10 minutes of the second half, but were not able to convert a last second shot by Romeo Langford.

Michigan State went 8-for-22 from the free throw line, while getting out rebounded by the Hoosiers, 42-35 in their previous matchup.

Cassius Winston led the Spartans with 26 points and seven assists, while Kenny Goins added 12 points, eight rebounds, eight blocks and six assists.

On the flip side, the Hoosiers had five players in double-figures including 28 points from their bench, something that has been a question mark all season long.

Not only did they get zero points from Rob Phinisee, playing only 18 minutes, they lost Juwan Morgan to a shoulder injury just over 10 minutes into the game. Very active in his 13 minutes, Morgan finished with five points and six rebounds.

With a healthy Morgan and the assumption that the Spartans will not shoot 36 percent from the free throw line again, this game should be as good as the last.

Keys to the game for Michigan State

Usually size being to their advantage, the Spartans will be without Nick Ward (15.1 PPG, 6.7 RPG) due to a broken hand.

Already with a lack of depth in the front court before his injury, this takes a lot away from the Michigan State offense.

Ranked 4th in the NCAA in rebounds per game, the loss of Nick Ward will hurt against an improving defensive and rebounding team.

With just three players shooting above 30 percent from three, they have made a living at rebound putbacks off of missed threes.

The improved play and health of De’Ron Davis will play a major role against the Spartans, and with no Nick Ward, it could be a problem for Michigan State with very little depth up front.

Keys to the game for Indiana

It’s pretty simple for the Hoosiers; don’t turn the ball over.

According to KenPom’s rankings, Indiana ranks 244th in the country in tempo, with just 66.4 possessions per game. With an average of 13 turnovers a game, the Hoosiers have very little room to play with when it comes to unproductive possessions.

With Michigan State not much faster, only 67.9 possessions a game (158th in NCAA), Indiana must take care of the ball in order to come away with a win.

With 13 turnovers in their last matchup against the Spartans, they were able to make up for that with 14 offensive rebounds, but there is no assurance they will do that again.

What you need to know

What? Michigan State 23-5 (14-3) vs Indiana 14-14 (5-12)
When? Saturday, March 2, 12:00 pm ET
Where? Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall – Bloomington, IN
TV? FOX
Radio? Indiana Radio Network, Sirius XM 135
All-Time Series? Indiana leads series 66-54
Prediction? Indiana 68, Michigan State 64