Gary Harris are headed to the Sweet 16, according to our writers' predictions. (Daniel Mears/Detroit News)
Detroit News writers predict the outcome of Saturday's Michigan State-Memphis game:
Rod Beard: Michigan State was energized by Derrick Nix's performance in the post and rode the wave of an outstanding performance before sleepwalking through the final minutes. They'll need to play a full 40 minutes against Memphis, but they'll be ready for the Tigers — and the Sweet 16. MSU, 70-60
Matt Charboneau: Memphis has the athletes to hang with Michigan State, but the Spartans have the depth and the superior coaching. Keith Appling is shooting better and Derrick Nix is playing like a senior who doesn't want his run to end. It should be tight most of the way, but expect the Spartans to be headed to the Sweet 16 in Indianapolis. MSU, 70-60
Angelique S. Chengelis: Michigan State should be making plans for travel to Indianapolis because Memphis will not slow the Spartans' March march in the NCAA Tournament. MSU, 68-53
Josh Katzenstein: The Tigers have the athleticism to hang with Michigan State, but Memphis lacks the control and discipline to score an upset. Spartans big men Derrick Nix and Adreian Payne will use their size advantage to grab a lead, and Keith Appling and Gary Harris will hit enough shots to make it an easy victory. MSU, 69-54
John Niyo: The Spartans will meet their athletic match in this one, and they'll need Adreian Payne to play much, much better than he did Thursday. But Memphis probably hasn't seen a defense like MSU's since losing to Louisville in mid-December. MSU, 68-60
Bob Wojnowski: Memphis will attack the rim and run and play defense. Memphis also will turn the ball over and miss free throws, which should play into Michigan State's hands. In the coaching matchup of Tom Izzo and Josh Pastner, yes, I'm going with Izzo. MSU, 64-56
See Also
- Tom Izzo, Josh Pastner take different paths on short prep time for matchup
- Tickets sold out for Saturday’s U-M, MSU games at The Palace
- Tom Izzo wants all Big Ten teams (including U-M!) to do well in tourney
- MSU's Derrick Nix has some unfinished business
- Matchups: 3 Michigan State vs. 6 Memphis
- Photos: Michigan State 65, Valparaiso 54
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