• What: Michigan State vs. Nebraska • When: Noon Saturday • Where: Breslin Center • TV/Radio: Big Ten Network/Spartan Sports Network radio, including WJIM 1240-AM and WMMQ 94.9-FM; Sirius/XM Ch. 390 (MSU broadcast), 389 (Nebraska broadcast) • Records/Rankings: MSU stands at 7-2 and is positioned No. 25 in the Coaches Poll, just outside the top 25 […]
• What: Michigan State vs. Nebraska
• When: Noon Saturday
• Where: Breslin Center
• TV/Radio: Big Ten Network/Spartan Sports Network radio, including WJIM 1240-AM and WMMQ 94.9-FM; Sirius/XM Ch. 390 (MSU broadcast), 389 (Nebraska broadcast)
• Records/Rankings: MSU stands at 7-2 and is positioned No. 25 in the Coaches Poll, just outside the top 25 in the Associated Press poll, though both of these rankings can often reflect a group mindset. As the season progresses, metrics from Kenpom.com and the NET rankings will provide more accurate assessments. Nebraska is 6-1 and not ranked in either significant poll, but is garnering votes in both.
• Betting line: MSU -5.5
• Coaches: Michigan State — Tom Izzo has a record of 714-297 in his 30th year as a head coach, all with the Spartans. Nebraska — Fred Hoiberg is 184-151 in his 11th year as a collegiate head coach, with a 69-95 record during his sixth year with the Huskers.
• Series: MSU holds a 23-10 advantage in the all-time series, with a 16-4 record since the Huskers became part of the Big Ten. However, MSU did drop last year’s sole encounter, losing 77-70 at Nebraska, after a streak of 11 consecutive victories over the Huskers.
Projected lineups
MSU
C (10) Szymon Zapala (7-0) 5.3
F (0) Jaxon Kohler (6-9) 8.4
G (3) Jaden Akins (6-4) 12.4
G (5) Tre Holloman (6-2) 7.7
PG (1) Jeremy Fears Jr. (6-2) 7.8
Nebraska
C (34) Braxton Meah (7-1) 4.3
PF (4) Juwan Gary (6-6) 10.7
SF (3) Brice Williams (6-7) 18.4
G (0) Connor Essegian (6-4) 14.7
PG (24) Rollie Worster (6-5) 8.9
• MSU update: The Spartans recently won 90-72 against Minnesota on Wednesday in their Big Ten opener, showcasing nearly unwavering control throughout the game. MSU can achieve a 2-0 record in the Big Ten with a victory over Nebraska before returning to non-conference play for three additional matches — against Oakland in Detroit on Dec. 17, at home against Florida Atlantic on Dec. 21, and at home versus Western Michigan on Dec. 30. A triumph on Saturday against the Huskers could set the Spartans up well at 11-2 when they return to conference action in January. MSU’s current 7-2 record can be attributed to strong performances as they rank in the top 40 for both offensive and defensive efficiency and excel in two-point shooting (59.1%) and free-throw accuracy (78.8%), indicating they are effective in scoring from the paint and fast breaks.
• Nebraska update: The Huskers have surpassed expectations, and perhaps I should have anticipated more, considering they’re coming off their first NCAA tournament bid in ten years, with key players Brice Williams and Juwan Gary returning. If center Rienk Mast were fit and playing (he posed challenges for MSU last year), this team would definitely be regarded as capable of NCAA tournament success. Nonetheless, they are still ranked 44th by Kenpom, featuring a significant road win against a Creighton squad that recently defeated Kansas and a tight loss by three points to a solid Saint Mary’s team in a neutral site contest.
• Matchup analysis: The Huskers have shown solid defensive capabilities, relying on experienced forward Juwan Gary as their backbone. Brice Williams is a versatile wing player who can score from various areas. The addition of Wisconsin transfer Connor Essegian, who has successfully made 20 of his 45 three-point attempts this year, has greatly enhanced their offense, similar to last season’s outside threat, Keisei Tominaga. This Nebraska roster will miss center Rienk Mast throughout the year, as his role as an interior passer and creator is irreplaceable. However, they have filled the gap with their front line featuring 7-1 Braxton Meah and 6-10 Berke Buyuktuncel, although the latter was sidelined during the win over North Florida on Sunday due to injury. If he remains out, Nebraska may opt for a smaller lineup, placing Gary in the four spot.
Regardless of Nebraska’s configuration, MSU’s trio of guards, Jeremy Fears Jr., Tre Holloman, and Jaden Akins, have provided sufficient momentum lately, supported by Jaxon Kohler and Szymon Zapala inside, making it unlikely for MSU to modify their starting lineup. Moreover, MSU is currently giving playing time to 10 individuals significantly and adjusting their lineups based on performances. This approach will persist, irrespective of the opponent. Yet, Nebraska presents a tougher challenge than Minnesota, particularly in wing defense.
• Prediction: MSU has evolved into a team known for its reliability in effort, focus, free-throw proficiency, and rebounding. This is a proven recipe for numerous victories this season. Should MSU connect on seven or more three-pointers, I believe the Spartans will secure the win without needing to endure a tense finish. Conversely, if their shooting falters again, Nebraska is equipped to make this a gritty contest until the end.
• Make it: MSU 78, Nebraska 70
— Graham Couch
