Prognosticators
TK — Everything in my body is screaming "trap game." Having to refocus after a win as big as Tuesday's is a lot harder than it seems. But I don't think Indiana is quite good enough to take down the Spartans at home, even if they have a bit of a hangover. Indiana is just 3-8 on the road, with the wins coming against Penn State, UConn and IUPUI (arguably the best of the three at this point). If Breslin Center is a tenth as loud as it was for Wisconsin, the Hoosiers don't stand a chance.
MSU 67, Indiana 61
EC — D.J. White embarrassed the Spartans when the teams faced off in Bloomington, Ind., earlier this season — he poured in 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting. MSU should be able to keep him in check at Breslin Center. The Spartans also should have an easier time protecting the ball after turning it over 20 times in the first meeting with Indiana. It'll be a close, ugly game, but late free throws will give MSU a 10-point cushion.
MSU 66, Indiana 56
MB — I'll admit it, I am now drinking that Green Kool-Aid. Tuesday's game convinced me this team has a ton of heart and will fight to the finish most of the time. Indiana gave MSU a whoopin' in the last meeting, so some revenge should in the be Spartans' minds. Hopefully, the crowd won't be burnt-out from the emotional Wisconsin game or the long wait for the 9 p.m. start. Bring it strong again, Izzone!
MSU 67, Indiana 63
MA — The Spartans are on a high right now after beating Wisconsin at home, and MSU always plays better at Breslin Center. Neitzel's rolling, so they'll take them by at least eight or 10.
No. 1 Wisconsin vs. No. 2 Ohio State
READ MORE
Ohio State 73, Wisconsin 68
EC — Bo Ryan has the right pieces to pull off a big upset in Columbus, Ohio. His team is rugged and experienced. The Badgers — particularly Alando Tucker — have too much pride to lose two straight games after securing the No. 1 ranking. The Buckeyes may be talented, but they're still very, very young. If Wisconsin can take the crowd out of the game early, it'll win.
Wisconsin 63, Ohio State 58
MB — You'd think Wisconsin would be a little upset after that game on Tuesday. But being on the road, I don't think that anger is enough to overcome a very good Ohio State team. If the Buckeyes get going from outside the 3-point arc, you can kiss the Badgers goodbye. This one will be close for the most part, but it won't come down to free throws.
Ohio State 73, Wisconsin 61
Support student media! Please consider donating to The State News and help fund the future of journalism.
MA — I'm going to pick Wisconsin because I think they're a veteran group. Alando Tucker has a chip on his shoulder. I know him personally, and I think he'll rally the team to pull it off in Columbus, Ohio.
No. 10 Pittsburgh vs. No. 12 Georgetown
2 p.m. Saturday TK —Georgetown 74, Pittsburgh 66
EC — Unfortunately for Patrick Ewing Jr., genetics will get the best of him. His old man undoubtedly passed on the dreaded "play horribly in a big game" gene. The Hoyas will go down hard, as Pittsburgh center Aaron Gray dominates inside.
Pittsburgh 72, Georgetown 64
MB — This game will be this week's "Matt Bishop Coin Flip Invitational." Heads will represent Pittsburgh, while tails will represent Georgetown. The flip is up, and it's heads! This one will be a big win for Pittsburgh, that's for sure. If the Panthers don't win, I will stop flipping coins and actually make a scientific guess about which team will win the game.
Pittsburgh 75, Georgetown 73
MA — I'm going to go with Pittsburgh. They're tough at home. Georgetown is playing pretty good right now, but I'm going to have to go with the home team.
No. 20 MSU women vs. Minnesota
1 p.m. Sunday, Breslin Center TK —MSU 68, Minnesota 65
EC — Two quarts of water, one cup of sugar and one powder packet of road-tested guts: Yup, I'm drinking the Spartans' Kool-Aid now. After the ladies' season-changing win at Ohio State, I can't bring myself to pick against them again for the rest of the year. They'll roll the Gophers, who are under .500 in the Big Ten.
MSU 74, Minnesota 60
MB — This game will be very emotional, as MSU's four seniors will have their last regular-season game at Breslin Center. Minnesota will provide a tough test, but MSU is extremely tough at home and will prove that here yet again. Victoria Lucas-Perry will score 24 points and Rene Haynes will have 14 points in this big win.
MSU 71, Minnesota 57
MA — I'm going to go with the Spartans. I've got to go with the home team, and it's only right if I go with my Spartans.
