The Big Ten will be put to the test in the Sweet 16, but given the competition in the conference and how battle-tested these teams are, I believe the Big Ten’s entries in Friday’s regional semifinals will prevail. Michigan will be put to the test, and the Michigan State Spartans get a great opportunity to add to their coach’s legend.
Here are my predictions for the NCAA Tournament in the Sweet 16 on Friday for Big Ten teams:
No. 1 Michigan over No. 4 Alabama
Both offenses are great, and that is why this matchup has a very high predicted total. Only one team has a great defense, and that is Michigan. That will ultimately be the difference in this game; even if this one ends up being a high-scoring affair, the team that can get the timely stops will win. I think Michigan will be able to stun the Crimson Tide late in this game, and both Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. will make the shots down the stretch to win. A game like this bodes well for Michigan, and I think the Wolverines will rise to the occasion.
No. 3 Michigan State over No. 2 UConn
Michigan State has a lot of size to match up with the dominant force that Tarris Reed Jr. is, and I think they will be able to control him. If Michigan State can get Reed Jr. in foul trouble, that will bode well for their chances to win. Jeremy Fears Jr. will be able to help control the pace and tempo of this game in favor of the Spartans. This game will be a close and physical battle that plays right in the hands of the Spartans. I think Tom Izzo and the Spartans will pull off the victory.
Predictions for top performers for Friday
Coen Carr was his usual high-flying self in the last victory for the Spartans, where he put up 21 points and 10 rebounds. I see that, similar to his outing from him vs UConn, the Spartans will need someone to ignite them with energy and momentum, which is usually what Coen Carr is able to do. The Huskies’ offense will have their hands full vs the Spartans’ size, but I think the Spartans’ stars on the other end will be able to thrive. I expect Coen Carr to be special late in the game, too, with a couple of big-time baskets to win this game.
Yaxel Lendeborg will have to be at his best once again as the Wolverines face their toughest competition yet. I am expecting that to be the case, and I think he will have himself a day vs the Crimson Tide’s defense, which struggles against great offenses. The best example of that is them losing to Florida 100-77. Yaxel Lendeborg showed what he is capable of when he is being an aggressor. I expect another 20-point outing and him to have 10 rebounds to go along with it.
Overview
UConn does not have the same NBA talent that it usually has, and it should be a well-rounded basketball team. Tom Izzo continues his legacy with the great culture he has cultivated in Michigan State, and he gets another chance to add to his resume with even more tournament success. Michigan gets its chance to put its defense to the test as they take on a top offensive team in the country in the Crimson Tide. Coach Dusty May does not have the legacy that Tom Izzo has but if he keeps winning, the North Carolina job will be his for the taking if he wants it.
What’s next
If Michigan State can keep its special run going, Tom Izzo will have to face either another legendary coach in Rick Pitino or the insanely talented Duke Blue Devils with star Cam Boozer. It doesn’t get easier from here out, but with Tom Izzo’s pedigree and the all-around talent on the Spartans, they have a shot.
For Michigan, if they move forward, they will have an Elite Eight match with either Tennessee or Iowa State. Both of those teams have what it takes to take the favored Michigan Wolverines to the brink of an upset.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Micah’s predictions for Friday’s Big Ten NCAA Tournament games
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
