3 keys and a prediction for Nebraska Basketball vs Michigan State

Three keys and a prediction for Nebraska basketball against Michigan State.

The Nebraska basketball team scored a huge win last week over Iowa. It was an important win, but not the kind of win that resets expectations for this season.

However, if the Huskers are able to go into the Breslin Center and beat Michigan State on Tuesday night, it will be a definite sign that Nebraska can do something this season, such as reach postseason play.

Nebraska basketball is 8-6 overall and 1-2 in the Big Ten. The first road game against Indiana was a disaster, but the Huskers also didn’t have Sam Griesel. This time they will and here are three keys for Nebraska to beat Michigan State, as well as our prediciton.

Control the tempo

Michigan State is a physical team but they also rely on running and shooting 3-pointers. The Spartans rank 98th in college hoops in 3-point percentage but 300th in 2-point percentage so the transition game is huge.

In terms of talent, Michigan State has eight former top-100 players. It has size, and athleticism and shoots the ball really well from beyond the arc. However, the Spartans are one of the worst teams in the country at forcing turnovers with just over 10 per game. Nebraska forces 13 but also gives it up 13 times per game.

The Huskers can’t do that tonight. Fred Hoiberg talked about no pick-6s in his press conference. That means no breakaway buckets and the less Michigan State is able to get out in transition, the better.

Nebraska wants to keep this one low scoring, like in the 60s. Griesel has been great about controlling the tempo and it worked beautifully against Creighton and Iowa.

The Huskers need to use the same tactic tonight.

Win the rebounding battle

It’s not going to be easy against Michigan State, yet if the Huskers are going to leave the Breslin Center with a win, I feel like they have to win the rebounding battle or at least be even.

The Spartans ranked 43rd in defensive rebounds but are allowing over nine offensive rebounds per game. Both teams have a rebounding margin of plus four on the season. Nebraska though has been better on the offensive glass with 11.2 offensive rebounds per game. Michigan State averages 9.6.

Nebraska is 55th in total rebounding and if the Huskers can win that battle tonight, I like their chances of pulling off an upset.

Derrick Walker needs to dominate

One of the key matchups to me is going to be Derrick Walker and Mady Sissoko. Sissoko is a 6-foot-9, former top-100 recruit who averages 0.8 blocks per game. The Spartans don’t have anyone who averages a blocker per game and they are lacking in terms of rim protectors.

Still, I wouldn’t expect many double-teams on Derrick Walker. Izzo likes to play guys straight up and Walker is going to need to have a double-double in this one.

If Walker and Sam Griesel can score inside, that will open some things up on the perimeter. The Huskers have also done a good job of getting to the free-throw line and that needs to continue too. Michigan State is a top-100 defense when it comes to 2-point percentages but Walker is one of the best low-post scorers in the Big Ten.

Walker has proven he can score on just about anyone and if he has a big night, it could go a long way toward Nebraska pulling off the upset.

Nebraska basketball vs Michigan State prediction

The Huskers are a 7.5-point underdog, which honestly seems a little much to me. Michigan State is a solid team and they have guys like A.J. Hoggard, Joey Hauser, Tyson Walker, and Jaden Adkins. The Spartans don’t lack talent or depth, which is a weakness for Nebraska.

Nebraska is down to basically seven or eight rotation guys at this point. Their starting five has been really solid this season and I expect a really good effort from this team.

However, winning at Michigan State is really difficult to do. Eventually, I think the Spartans will wear down Nebraska and hit enough treys to win the game, 65-60. Nebraska will cover the spread but lose a close one.

For More Nebraska content, follow us on Twitter, like our Facebook Page, and Subscribe to the Husker Big Red YouTube Channel.