Guards

The Wildcats rely on their guards to get them through the game. They’re one of the best 3-point shooting teams in the league, leading the Big Ten in 3-pointers made per game and placing second in 3-point percentage.

While MSU did a decent job of containing the Wildcats for stretches in their last meeting, they should have learned their lesson. If you allow just a foot or two, the Wildcats will launch the deep ball. But then again, MSU shot just as well from deep last time.

Advantage: Even

Forwards/Centers

The Wildcats really love to go small. They don’t feature a starting center, and forward Kevin Coble has a lot of the same tendencies as MSU’s Raymar Morgan — he can take players off the dribble and even shoot. MSU put Coble on lockdown for most of the game last time, but keeping him silent for a full 40 minutes is no easy task.

Lucky for MSU, they have a number of weapons in the post to throw the Wildcats’ way. With junior center Goran Suton likely to have another double-double, look for some Spartans bench big men to see more time.

Advantage: MSU

Bench

If we thought the freshmen were effective during nonconference play, they’ve been even better in Big Ten games. Kalin Lucas is averaging almost 12 points per game, while Chris Allen has been playing well through injuries. The last time MSU played Northwestern, Allen had a field day from deep.

Advantage: MSU

Coaching

When teams meet for the second time, it’s all about who can make the adjustment to change the outcome of the game. I don’t think there’s anything Northwestern coach Bill Carmody can do to defeat the Spartans in this one.

Advantage: MSU

Intangibles

The Spartans are 13-0 at Breslin Center this season. Until they lose one, I’m going to keep coming back to that. Also, on Feb. 9, 1916, MSU defeated Muskingum 39-21. So, that’s gotta count for something.

Advantage: MSU