Nebraska Basketball: vs. Michigan State

On3 imageby:Robin Washut02/28/23

RobinWashut

Here is what you need to know going into Nebraska’s Senior Night home finale against Michigan State, which now carries significant postseason implications…

Who, What, Where, When

Nebraska Cornhuskers (15-14, 8-10) vs. Michigan State (17-11, 8-9)

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023 – 8:00 p.m. CT

Pinnacle Bank Arena (15,500)

TV: Big Ten Network

Radio: Huskers Radio Network

Internet: FOX Sports app

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Nebraska projected starters

Sam GrieselGSr.6-7/216Scored 13 of his game-high 19 points in the 2nd half vs. Minnesota.
Jamarques LawrenceGFr.6-3/185Had 10 of his 11 points in the first half in the win over Minnesota.
Keisei TominagaGJr.6-2/175Scored in double figures for the sixth straight game with 11 vs. UM.
C.J. WilcherGSo.6-5/208Finished with 12 points and a season-high 6 boards vs. Minnesota.
Derrick WalkerFSr.6-9/245Posted 10 points, a team-high 7 rebounds, and 4 assists vs. UM.

Michigan State projected starters

Tyson WalkerGSr.6-1/180Averages 14.6 ppg. Had 21 points on 9-15 FGs in first meeting vs. Nebraska.
A.J. HoggardGJr.6-4/205Scoring 12.3 ppg. Ranks 3rd in the Big Ten at 5.8 apg and 6th in FT% at 81.3.
Jaden AkinsGSo.6-4/190Averaging 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and a team-high 1.3 steals per game.
Joey HauserFSr.6-9/220Averages 13.9 ppg & 7.0 rpg. Had 10 points, 10 boards, and 4 assists vs. NU.
Mady SissokoCJr.6-9/240Second on team with 6.1 rpg while scoring 5.1 ppg on 58.6% shooting.

Stay in control

As with any Tom Izzo team, Michigan State will do all it can to turn this game into a track meet. The Spartans will be looking to initiate transition offense at every opportunity, whether it’s forcing turnovers, blocking shots, or off defensive rebounds. The good news is that MSU’s defense has struggled mightily in creating takeaways, ranking 346th nationally in defensive turnover percentage. Even so, Nebraska must stay in control on offense and get down the floor as quickly as possible on defense. It won’t just be a matter of preventing fastbreak layups, either, as MSU thrives on transition 3-pointers that can spark game-changing runs. The Huskers did a solid job of that in the first meeting in East Lansing, committing just nine turnovers. However, those ended up in 13 Spartan points, and NU’s primary ball handlers – Sam Griesel and Derrick Walker – accounted for six of those nine giveaways.

Keep pace behind the arc

When Michigan State has been successful this season, it’s won at the 3-point line. The Spartans have been excellent behind the arc on both ends of the floor, and there might not be a more important area on every possession for Nebraska tonight. MSU ranks 14th nationally in offensive 3-point percentage (38.5) and 22nd on defense (30.4). Michigan State has four players shooting above 38%, three of which hitting above a 41% clip. Conversely, the Huskers are 12th in the Big Ten and 298th nationally in 3-point percentage at 31.7. NU must be aggressive and persistent on its defensive closouts all night while also getting shooters like Keisei Tominaga and C.J. Wilcher going early.

Handle the emotions

Tonight marks the final home game for three seniors that have been critical in changing the narrative around Nebraska basketball this season. Walker, Griesel, and Emmanuel Bandoumel will all be honored before tip-off, and it will likely be an emotional night in their Pinnacle Bank Arena farewell. While all three have earned their recognition, it will be critical that they and the rest of NU’s players turn the page quickly. Michigan State is coming off a gutting, record-setting collpase at Iowa a few days ago. The Spartans will be angry and determined to bounceback in an important game for their own postseason. Nebraska needs to stay focused on the task at hand and make sure sends its seniors out the right way.

Quotable

“Obviously, you want to finish off your home season in a great way. I can’t believe how fast this has gone. Some years feel like two years. This thing has just flown by, and we’ve got one more home game and it’s important for our seniors to enjoy it, have fun with it, and go out and play well.” 

Head coach Fred Hoiberg on Nebraska playing its final home game of the season tonight vs. Michigan State.

Prediction

Nebraska (+4) 68, Michigan State 66

Robin’s overall season record: 19-10

Robin’s record vs. the spread: 16-13

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