Michigan State Basketball Faces First True Road Game Challenge
Michigan State Basketball is gearing up for its first true road game of the season. Following their recent 66-60 loss to Duke at home, the ninth-ranked Spartans aim to bounce back. They will face off against Penn State on Saturday, December 13, at University Park, Pennsylvania, during Big Ten play.
Upcoming Road Challenge
MSU’s matchup against Penn State presents unique challenges. They must navigate the aftermath of a tough loss and the unfamiliar dynamics of a true road game. Head coach Tom Izzo expressed concerns but is focused on rallying his team. “Hopefully, we’re over our little hangover of losing that game at home,” he stated.
Recent Performance and Motivation
The Spartans started strong this season, winning their first eight games, which included notable victories against Kentucky and North Carolina. However, falling to Duke marked their first loss at home since February 2023 against Indiana. This defeat has intensified their drive to perform well in their upcoming game.
- Record this season: 8-1 overall, 1-0 in Big Ten play.
- Previous Big Ten game: MSU defeated Iowa 71-52 in their opener.
Senior forward Jaxon Kohler noted, “Everybody just can’t wait to get back there on the floor against another team and kind of right our wrongs. That Duke loss gave us a fire.”
What to Expect Against Penn State
The Bryce Jordan Center is known for its lively atmosphere, and Coach Izzo is anticipating a high-energy crowd. This game will be a crucial test as they prepare for future non-conference games and the upcoming trip to Nebraska on January 2.
Roster and Starting Lineup Adjustments
Izzo’s biggest challenge lies in finalizing his two-guard rotation. He has experimented with various lineups, including starting sophomore Kur Teng and senior transfer Trey Fort, before returning to Teng. As they look for consistent performance, the combined shooting percentage from their two-guard group has been less than ideal, standing at 28.9% from three-point range.
Penn State’s Season Overview
Penn State enters this game with a record of 8-2, including a rough 113-72 loss in their opening Big Ten game against Indiana. Coach Mike Rhoades has focused on strengthening his squad, which features standout players like:
- Kayden Mingo: Averaging 15.4 points and 4 assists per game.
- Melih Tunca: Contributing 12.8 points along with 3.5 assists.
- Ivan Juric: Posting 9.7 points and 4 rebounds.
- Freddie Dilione: Adding 13.3 points from the bench.
Historical Performance Against Nittany Lions
Michigan State has a strong track record against Penn State, winning four consecutive games and seven of the last eight encounters. This historical advantage will provide added confidence as they head into a challenging environment.
The focus will be on how MSU’s outside shooters perform, which could dictate the game’s outcome. Predictions lean towards a competitive match, with MSU aiming for an 82-69 victory against Penn State.
