Michigan State Spartans vs Penn State Lady Lions Picks and Predictions January 15th 2025

Streaking No. 12 Michigan State Aims for Stronger Finish Against Penn State

No. 12 Michigan State Spartans, riding high on a nine-game win streak, are set to host the Penn State Nittany Lions in East Lansing, Michigan, on Wednesday. Despite their success, head coach Tom Izzo wants his team to sharpen their performance in the game’s critical closing moments. Meanwhile, Penn State is looking to break free from a three-game losing streak, making this Big Ten clash one to watch.

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Michigan State’s Recipe for Success: Depth and Dominance

The Spartans (14-2, 5-0 Big Ten) have been firing on all cylinders, maintaining their spot at the top of the conference standings alongside archrival Michigan. Their recent victories showcased their ability to overwhelm opponents early:

• Key Performances: Against Washington, Michigan State surged to a 29-point halftime lead en route to an 88-54 blowout. Similarly, they led Northwestern by 23 in the first half of their 78-68 win.
• Coach’s Take: Despite these strong starts, Izzo is focused on improving his team’s late-game execution. “Finishing games is a big key,” Izzo emphasized. “I did not like the way we finished, but the first 20-some minutes impressed me.”

Jaden Akins’ Contribution
Guard Jaden Akins recently surpassed the 1,000-point career milestone with a 14-point outing against Northwestern. While Akins leads the team in scoring with 14.1 points per game, he acknowledges the need for better focus. “We just got lazy and lost focus in the second half, which we can’t do,” he admitted.

Strength in Depth
A hallmark of Izzo’s team this season is their extraordinary depth. Using a 10-man rotation, the Spartans maintain consistent energy and performance levels across all positions. While Akins is the only player averaging double figures, the scoring is balanced, with teammates contributing between 4.6 and 9.7 points per game.

Dominance on the Boards
Rebounding is another area where the Spartans shine, averaging a league-leading 41.1 rebounds per game compared to their opponents’ 30.4. Northwestern coach Chris Collins praised the Spartans, calling them “vintage Michigan State” for their high tempo and control of the glass.

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Penn State’s Struggles: Finishing Strong and Missing Key Players

The Nittany Lions (12-5, 2-4 Big Ten) have faced adversity, losing their last three conference games. Their latest defeat, a narrow 82-81 loss to Oregon, underscores their issues with closing out games.

Late-Game Woes
Penn State led Oregon by six points with less than four minutes remaining but was outscored 14-7 down the stretch. Coach Mike Rhoades didn’t mince words: “We choked as a team. You’ve got to find a way to win,” he said. Rhoades remains optimistic but admitted the loss was a tough pill to swallow.

Injury Concerns
The absence of floor general Ace Baldwin Jr., who averages 13.9 points and 8.0 assists per game, has been a significant blow. Baldwin missed the Oregon game due to a back injury, and his status for Wednesday remains uncertain. Without Baldwin, Penn State will need other players to step up, including Nick Kern Jr., their leading scorer at 12.7 points per game.

Offensive Firepower
Despite their struggles, the Nittany Lions boast one of the conference’s top offenses, averaging 84.4 points per game. Five players, including Kern Jr., are averaging double figures, giving them multiple scoring options. However, without strong finishes, their offensive prowess hasn’t translated to wins.

Key Matchup Factors

1. Battle on the Boards

Michigan State’s rebounding edge will likely play a pivotal role. Penn State must find a way to neutralize the Spartans’ dominance in this area to compete effectively.

2. Depth vs. Individual Performances

While Michigan State thrives on balanced contributions, Penn State relies heavily on individual playmakers like Baldwin and Kern Jr. If Baldwin is unable to play, the Nittany Lions’ ability to keep pace may suffer.

3. Finishing the Game

Both teams have struggled with closing games, but the stakes differ. For Michigan State, it’s about maintaining focus to sustain their winning streak. For Penn State, it’s the difference between staying competitive or slipping further in the Big Ten standings.

What to Expect

Michigan State’s Advantages
With superior depth, rebounding dominance, and momentum, Michigan State enters as the clear favorite. If they replicate their early-game dominance and clean up their late-game execution, the Spartans are well-positioned to extend their win streak to ten games.

Penn State’s X-Factor
Should Baldwin return, his playmaking and leadership could energize the Nittany Lions and make the contest more competitive. Without him, Penn State will need to rely on a collective effort to challenge Michigan State’s tempo and physicality.

Conclusion

The clash between Michigan State and Penn State will spotlight two teams at different points in their seasons. Michigan State aims to solidify their dominance and address their finishing issues, while Penn State is desperate to break their losing streak and regain their footing in the conference. With both teams emphasizing the importance of finishing strong, the game promises to be a test of resilience and execution.

Prediction: Michigan State’s depth and rebounding prowess give them the edge, but Penn State’s offensive potential ensures it won’t be an easy win for the Spartans.

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Key Stats to Watch

• Rebounds: Michigan State (41.1) vs. Penn State (30.4)
• Points Per Game: Michigan State (balanced attack) vs. Penn State (84.4, 5th in Big Ten)
• Key Players: Jaden Akins (MSU), Ace Baldwin Jr. (PSU – status uncertain)