Big-10 Basketball: #5 Michigan St Spartans v. #16 Wisconsin Badgers

Tuesday night offers a college basketball top-25 match-up of Big Ten foes. The Wisconsin Badgers will play host to a Michigan St. Spartans team that is currently ranked number 5 in the country. The Spartans have built a nice cushion in the Big Ten Conference standings. They are currently undefeated in league play, and hold a 3 game lead over four teams. One of those teams in the Badgers, who at 6-3 can really put some distance between themselves and the rest of the group that are tied for 2nd place with a win Tuesday over Mich. St.

The Badgers are a primarily defensive team that tries to slow the pace of the game and get their opponents out of rhythm. They have allowed just over 57 points per game while scoring close to 70.

The majority of their scoring comes from Trevon Hughes and Jon Leuer. Hughes is in his senior year at Wisky, and has increased his scoring average each previous season. His 16 points and 5 rebounds per game are a big reason why the Badgers are so good at closing out games. As a 6 foot tall point guard, he can create shots and distribute the ball equally well. This allows his team mates to get easy shots, and keeps opposing defenses on their heels. Leuer is the Badgers inside threat at 6’ 10”. He has almost doubled his offensive output from his sophomore year to his junior season as he averages 15.4 points per game and 6.2 boards. Expect both he and Hughes to carry Wisconsin for most of the game on offense, but this game can only be won by the Badgers if they put the clamps on the Spartans defensively.

Tom Izzo and the Spartans are quietly having another solid season. They somehow always remain under the radar in the college basketball scheme. It’s most likely due to their workman-like approach that isn’t flashy, but gets the job done.

Four of Michigan St’s starting 5 score in double-digits, and they are led by junior point guard Kalin Lucas. Lucas made his presence know almost immediately for the Spartans as he put up over 10 points and almost 4 assists per game as a freshman. Now he has become one of the leaders of this team, and has the ability to break down any defense he sees. Raymar Morgan, Durrell Summers and Draymond Green combine for over 32 points and 19 rebounds per game for the Spartans. Coach Izzo takes pride in rebounding the basketball, and he should be happy with the job this year’s team is doing thus far.

Getting a win in Wisconsin is no easy task as Maryland, Duke, Marquette, Ohio St and Purdue can attest. It will take a huge effort from the Spartan starting 5 to get this win on Tuesday. Don’t expect a shootout as neither team likes to get scored upon.

This will be a must watch game for true college basketball fans that like to see each team work hard for baskets. Tune in Tuesday at 9 pm EST as the Spartans and Badgers battle in another Big Ten grudge match.

Related posts:

1. Big Ten Match-Up: Wisconsin Badgers @ Purdue Boilermakers
2. Big Ten Battle: Wisconsin hosts Michigan St
3. Wolverines host Spartans in Battle of Michigan
4. NCAA Basketball Elite Battle Tuesday: Spartans vs. Orange
5. Michigan St vs. Illinois in Big-10 Battle Monday

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