ESPN

JN: The Buckeyes have more on the line in this game, but the Spartans realize what’s at stake. On paper, MSU arguably has been the biggest disappointment in the country this season. This is its chance to prove its worth.

MSU 80, Ohio State 68

SE: Just because Tom Izzo doesn’t believe in the home-court advantage aspect of college basketball doesn’t mean that I don’t. The Spartans just flat-out struggle in front of rowdy away crowds — but they’re 3-1 on neutral floors, so I’ll go with the odds.

MSU 77, Ohio State 69

AG: The first time around was an embarrassment for the men. It boggles my mind how horrible they are on the road. However, I was just in Indy for the women’s Big Ten Tournament and it is an awesome atmosphere where I know Izzo’s team can excel.

MSU 88, Ohio State 76

MB: This is a game that actually means something. The Spartans are in position to make a run in this tournament but need a solid effort here to get the ball rolling. I think it happens — but it’ll be close.

MSU 74, Ohio State 63

MSU hockey vs. Northern Michigan

7:35 p.m. tonight/7:05 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (if necessary)

FSN Detroit (tonight)

JN: Sure Northern Michigan took it to the Spartans the last time the teams met, but come CCHA time, nobody wants to come up against Rick Comley’s Spartans. It’s a fact that his teams are always primed and ready come tourney time.

MSU 3-2, Northern Michigan 2-1, MSU 3-1

SE: There’s a reason Sunday’s game is labeled “if necessary.” A two-week break will not affect the Spartans’ skaters. They’re amped and ready to go — understanding how crucial a two-game sweep would be for their chances at conquering the CCHA.

MSU 3-1, MSU 4-2

AG: The Wildcats swept the Spartans in February pretty soundly, but MSU is coming off of a 13-day break while Northern Michigan is still running strong having just played last weekend.

MSU 3-1, Northern Michigan 2-0, MSU 4-2

MB: While Northern Michigan will present a tough challenge, the Spartans are the superior team here. MSU’s talent, hustle and home crowd will propel them to Joe Louis Arena.

MSU 4-2, MSU 3-0

MSU women vs. NCAA selection committee

7 p.m. Monday

ESPN

JN: Aside from the loss to a committed Illinois team in the semifinals of the Big Ten Tournament, the Spartans are playing some of their best basketball. The selection committee has been off the radar for about a year and doesn’t have anyone to match sophomore center Allyssa DeHaan’s size in the post. MSU will run away with this one.

NCAA Tournament bid — Yes

SE: I was impressed with the way the Spartans finished the year. If the selection committee doesn’t look at the momentum the Green and White finished off with, it’ll be a shame.

NCAA Tournament bid — Yes

AG: For personal reasons, I want MSU to get a bid and play somewhere warm. I have my fingers crossed for a bid and a seeding that place them in New Mexico.

NCAA Tournament bid — Yes

MB: This is interesting. All the numbers point to the Spartans getting a bid, but if the committee doesn’t want to take five Big Ten teams, then they’ll be the ones getting squeezed out. I’m going with my heart on this one.

NCAA Tournament bid — Yes