On January 8, 2024, the Breslin Center will host a significant Big Ten matchup as No. 12 Michigan State takes on Northwestern. The game is slated to begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcast live on BTN, with Chris Vosters and LaPhonso Ellis as the commentators. Fans can also tune in via the Spartan Media Network, SiriusXM channels 117 or 195, or through the SiriusXM app.
Michigan State Spartans Overview
The Spartans, holding a record of 13-2 (3-1 Big Ten), are coming off a decisive 80-51 victory against Southern California. This win marked the 750th for Head Coach Tom Izzo, who has led the team since 1995. Currently, Michigan State ranks No. 12 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll.
Key Stats and Players
- Scoring Leaders: Jaxon Kohler leads the Spartans with 14.2 points per game and is second in the Big Ten with 10.2 rebounds per game.
- Assists: Jeremy Fears Jr. is second in the nation with 9.0 assists per game and has recorded a total of 135 assists this season, the best in the country.
- Rebounding: Michigan State ranks fifth in rebound margin nationally, boasting +13.8.
- Defense: The Spartans are 15th in scoring defense, allowing 64.4 points per game.
This season, three Spartans are scoring in double figures, contributing to an offensive strategy that emphasizes teamwork. The team has shown impressive depth, with seven players averaging at least 5.0 points per game.
Breslin Center Home Advantage
Michigan State has a solid home record of 8-1 this season, their only loss being a narrow 66-60 defeat against Duke. The Spartans excel at the Breslin Center, with an all-time home record of 495-77 since its opening in 1989. Under Coach Izzo, the team has achieved an impressive home conference record of 222-47.
Upcoming Opponent: Northwestern Wildcats
The January 8 matchup will be the 139th contest between Michigan State and Northwestern, with the Spartans leading the series 96-42. Michigan State has won 15 of the last 19 games against the Wildcats, including a 78-68 victory the previous year.
Northwestern Team Insights
- Current Record: 8-6 (0-3 Big Ten)
- Recent Performance: Northwestern has lost two out of their last three and five of their last eight games, including an 84-78 loss to Minnesota.
- Scoring Stats: The Wildcats rank 10th in the Big Ten for scoring offense (80.4 ppg) and defense (70.4 ppg).
- Notable Statistics: They lead the nation in assist-to-turnover ratio (2.11) and average 18.6 assists per game, ranking 24th nationally.
As the Michigan State Spartans prepare for their Big Ten showdown against Northwestern, they will look to capitalize on their home advantage and showcase their impressive roster. Fans can expect an exciting game as two resilient teams clash at the Breslin Center.
