Northwestern Wilcats vs Michigan State Spartans Picks and Predictions January 12th 2025

No. 16 Michigan State Bids to Extend Win Streak vs. Northwestern

The Spartans look to continue their dominance, while the Wildcats aim to rebound in a pivotal Big Ten matchup.

Michigan State’s Winning Formula

Michigan State (13-2, 4-0) has been on a tear, boasting an eight-game winning streak as it heads into Evanston, Illinois, to face Northwestern (10-5, 1-3) on Sunday. At the heart of the Spartans’ success is Jeremy Fears Jr., a point guard who has transformed adversity into inspiration. After recovering from a gunshot wound that limited his freshman season, Fears Jr. has emerged as a leader for the conference co-leaders.

Teammates and coaches alike praise Fears Jr. for his energy, defensive prowess, and playmaking abilities. His performance in Michigan State’s dominant 88-54 win over Washington on Thursday showcased his growth, as he recorded his first career double-double with 12 points and 10 assists. Coach Tom Izzo lauded his point guard’s defensive intensity, saying, “When the front of your attack point is neutralized, that makes a big difference in the game.”

The Spartans’ defensive strength extends beyond Fears Jr., with Michigan State holding opponents to below 50 percent shooting in nearly every game this season. Jaden Akins, who scored 20 points against Washington, complements the team’s balanced attack, making them a formidable contender in the Big Ten.

Northwestern’s Challenge at Home

Northwestern has faced a rocky start to the year, losing two straight conference games on the road. The Wildcats, who last played in a 79-61 loss at No. 20 Purdue, return to Evanston looking to regain momentum. Coach Chris Collins hopes to refine the team’s offensive strategy, particularly after Purdue successfully neutralized Northwestern’s leading scorer, Brooks Barnhizer.

Barnhizer, who averages 19.3 points per game, was held to just 11 points on 4-of-15 shooting against Purdue. The Boilermakers’ defensive focus on Barnhizer forced Northwestern to test other scoring options, with freshman Angelo Ciaravino stepping up to deliver a career-high 19 points. Coach Collins expressed optimism about Ciaravino’s growth, describing him as “fearless” and “competitive.”

Freshmen Ciaravino and K.J. Windham are expected to play expanded roles as Northwestern looks to sharpen its defensive schemes and offensive execution. Collins emphasized that the key lies in improving the team’s attention to detail, particularly against a disciplined opponent like Michigan State.

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A Pivotal Big Ten Clash

Sunday’s game promises to be a test of resilience for both teams. Michigan State will look to extend its streak and maintain its position at the top of the Big Ten standings, relying on Fears Jr.’s leadership and the team’s defensive consistency. Northwestern, on the other hand, hopes to protect its home court and halt its recent skid with contributions from emerging talents like Ciaravino.

The Wildcats’ recent success against Michigan State, including a 4-2 record in their past six meetings, adds an extra layer of intrigue. However, the Spartans’ momentum and depth make them a tough opponent for a Northwestern team still finding its footing in conference play.

The outcome of this matchup will have significant implications for the Big Ten race, as Michigan State aims to solidify its dominance and Northwestern seeks to make a statement on its home court. With both teams hungry for a win, Sunday’s game is set to be an intense battle of strategy, skill, and determination.