The NCAA’s Big Ten basketball conference has begun play, and the Michigan State Spartans are emerging as a favorite.
After defeating No.18 Wisconsin Badgers the Spartans advanced to 4-1 within their conference and 12-4 overall. This is the Spartans seventh straight win as they enter a big stretch of games against other Big Ten teams.
This is a time for the Spartans to show they can hold their own within the Big Ten with other competitive teams like the Purdue Boilermakers who are also 4-1 in the Big Ten. Not only do they have the same Big Ten record, but the Boilermakers are the actual favorites within the Big Ten.
This stretch against Big Ten teams for the Spartans is going to be a long one and initially started back on Saturday, Jan 7th, against their rivals, the Michigan Wolverines. The Spartans won the game 59-53.
They continued that stretch Tuesday night against the Wisconsin Badgers, adding another win to their conference record. It is important that the Spartans come home with wins during this stretch as no road game is easy.
“Well any road win is a good road win as you know, some I guess are a little bigger than others, but every road win is a big win” Coach Tom Izzo said. “We’re gonna approach it the same way we did the last one and the one after next week when we go back on the road.”
What’s to Come?
On Friday, Jan 13th, the Spartans will be going face-to-face with another conference team in the Illinois Fighting Illi. Although Illinois is only 2-3 within the conference, the Spartans should not take any Big Ten team lightly.
After facing Illinois, the Spartans move on to a team that seems to be their rival competitor as far as Big Ten record goes, the Purdue Boilermakers. Just like the Spartans, Purdue is 4-1 within the Big Ten and they are the favorites to win the Big Ten this year.
The Spartans, who have been holding up well, have one of the toughest schedules this year, so each and every game has been tough so far. However, the Spartans will have to dig deep as they face off against Purdue and Zach Edey.
Edey has been dominating on the court this year, thanks to his sheer size and presence. Edey is 7’4” and is averaging just under 22 points per game and is leading the NCAA in rebounding with 13 a game.
The Spartans of course have a big man of their own, well actually, a few big men that they can throw at Edey. First is starting big man Mady Sissoko who has been showing off his physicality in the paint this year.
But they also have two large freshmen in Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper.
Cooper logged some big minutes against the Wisconsin Badgers so there is no telling what kind of impact he could be providing for the Spartans. He had a big play during the Wisconsin game, getting a block, offensive rebound and fouled on a shot all in the same sequence.
“I was honestly so happy for him, he’s been working so hard every single day,” Kohler said about Cooper. “To see him be on the court and be a crucial defensive factor for our team made me super happy he deserves all that credit.”
Kohler has also found himself getting some big during the stretch of these games and it has been a revelation for him in his freshman year.
“These last two games have really opened my eyes as to what’s to come and how intense it is and all the emotions that you can have in one single game,” Kohler said.
What’s Next?
The Michigan State Spartans face off against the Illinois Fighting Illini on Friday, Jan 13th, at 9 p.m. ET.
