Michigan State Spartans vs Indiana Hoosiers: Predictions, Odds, and Roster Notes

Where: Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington, IN

When: Thursday, January 23rd at 8:30pm EST

How (TV): FS1

Michigan State Spartans (Away)

B1G in latest AP poll:

11. @MSU_Basketball
17. @TerrapinHoops
19. @IowaHoops
21. @IlliniMBB
24. @RutgersMBB ?

Full poll ➡️ https://t.co/envk5PPcFI pic.twitter.com/tE0RWiUv9z

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 20, 2020

Head Coach: Tom Izzo {Overall: 14-4 | Conference: 6-1, 1st in Big Ten}

The preseason number one Michigan State Spartans have had an up and down season thus far, scoring wins over top opponents like Michigan and Seton Hall, while suffering tough losses to Virginia Tech and Purdue. Nonetheless, with star point guard Cassius Winston leading the way, the Spartans are well equipped for another Big Ten title and perhaps a deep run in March.

Tom Izzo’s team recovered from their ugly 71-42 loss to Purdue by beating Wisconsin 67-55 last Friday at the Breslin Center. Junior forward Xavier Tillman led the Spartans with 15 points and nine boards, while sophomore wings Gabe Brown and Aaron Henry each added 13 points. Winston, meanwhile, had a rough night at the office, as he went 3 for 12 from the field while committing five of the team’s 11 turnovers.

Head Coach: Archie Miller {Overall: 14-4 | Conference: 4-3, T-4th in Big Ten}

The Indiana Hoosiers have shown solid improvement in Archie Miller’s third season at the helm, as they look to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2016. Led by a talented freshman in Trayce Jackson-Davis, the Hoosiers have shown promise with their biggest win coming against Florida State in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. On the flip side, they have endured growing pains in losses to Big Ten contenders Maryland and Rutgers.

Indiana returns to Assembly Hall for the first time since January 11th, as they come off a two-game road trip. The second leg of road games had the Hoosiers take down Nebraska 82-74 last Saturday. Jackson-Davis put together a double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds, while his starting frontcourt mates Joey Brunk and Justin Smith added 16 and 15 points, respectively. Indiana’s defense proved to be key in the win, as they limited the Cornhuskers to under 40% shooting from the field.

Michigan State vs Indiana All-Time Series

Thursday’s game will be the 122nd time the two midwestern schools have faced off against one another, with Indiana holding a 67-54 advantage. Michigan State has had the upper hand in recent years, winning seven of the last ten meetings, although Indiana has won two straight. Last season’s game in Bloomington saw the Hoosiers eke out a 63-62 upset over the then-6th ranked Spartans. Juwan Morgan emerged as the hero late in that game, making an and-one putback with just under two minutes remaining.

Michigan State Roster Notes

Sophomore forward Joey Hauser is sitting out the 2019-2020 season after transferring from Marquette.

Senior guard Joshua Langford is out for the season as he recovers from foot surgery stemming from an injury suffered last season.

Senior forward Kyle Ahrens is out indefinitely with injuries to his right ankle and Achilles tendon.

There are no injuries or other roster changes to report for Indiana.

Head-to-Head: Aaron Henry (MSU) vs Justin Smith (IND)

Aaron Henry

Forward | 6-6, 210lb | Ben Davis HS | Indianapolis, IN | Sophomore

9.8 PPG | 3.1 APG | 4.4 RPG | 0.5 SPG | 0.6 BPG | 1.9 TOV | .452 FG% | .347 3P%

Best known for getting chewed out by Tom Izzo in last year’s NCAA Tournament, Aaron Henry has seen increased usage as a sophomore in East Lansing. Although he has yet to break 20 points in a game this season, he has been a steady source of offense for the Spartans with nine double-digit performances. His 20 point game against LSU in last year’s Sweet 16 proves that he is capable of making an impact. He has been relatively quiet in conference play so far, however that should change sooner rather than later.

Justin Smith

Forward | 6-7, 227lb | Adlai E. Stevenson HS | Buffalo Grove, IL | Junior

12.2 PPG | 1.0 APG | 5.4 RPG | 1.3 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 1.8 TOV | .512 FG% | .250 3P%

An explosive athlete known for his ability to finish above the rim, Justin Smith has carved out a role as Indiana’s second scoring option to support Jackson-Davis. Despite his longer leash on offense, Smith has not sacrificed his strong effort on the other end of the court, as he is more than willing to provide help-side defense as a shot blocker. His athleticism has also made him a valuable on the offensive glass, where he has just six games where he has failed to grab multiple offensive rebounds.

Michigan State at Indiana Predictions and Odds

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