The Rutgers Scarlet Knights take on the Michigan State Spartans in a crucial Big Ten showdown on Saturday from Madison Square Garden. The Spartans hit the road in this one, sitting only one loss behind the Scarlet Knights in the Big Ten standings while springing the upset on the road will get them back on the winning path. For Rutgers, they are coming off of a massive win in their own right, as they remain at home. The Spartans dominated at home when these two squared off just a few weeks ago, though after Rutgers swept the season series last year, the Scarlet Knights will be ready to protect home court in this one.
Michigan State heads East for what is technically a neutral-site game but will be quite a bit closer to Rugers than it is to Michigan State. The Spartans won the first meeting of the year at home and are hoping that they can replicate that performance at Madison Square Garden on Saturday. The Spartans have struggled with consistency this season and lost the last time out, on the road to Indiana. They've actually lost each of their last three road games and have struggled in true road games and neutral games this season. They come in 2ith a 5-6 record away from home overall, as well as 3-2 in neutral games. While they will definitely be closer to Rutgers, there's no doubt that the Michigan State alumni in the city will be out for this one.
One key for Michigan State has been its ability to get its team back to full health. They hit the weekend with no injuries to worry about and with depth being an advantage th is season, that could play a huge role in how this game goes.
28 points, 5 blocks & 8 rebounds makes @jarenjacksonjr last night's @IntlPaperCo #GrizzPlayerOfTheGame pic.twitter.com/ovsMYoRAhK
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 30, 2023
Michigan State's defense has made the difference this season but with how strong the opposing defense is, the more pressing concern is efficient their scoring will be. The Spartans rank 249th nationally in scoring and while the three-point line has been a blessing for them this season, Rutgers' length on the perimeter could cause problems. Tyson Walker (13.9 ppg) has been elite in the backcourt, while the emergence of AJ Hoggard (12.7 ppg, 5.9 apg) has been instrumental in their distribution. With the limitations on the offensive end, they'll need the country's 83rd-ranked scoring defense to lead the way.
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