The Michigan State Spartans (15-4, 4-2) are suddenly desperate for a win to keep pace atop the Big Ten standings as they host the Purdue Boilermakers (14-5, 4-2) on Saturday at the Breslin Center.
Both teams enter the game in a four-team second place logjam in the Big Ten, just a half game behind 5-2 Michigan. The Spartans certainly enjoy the friendly environs of their home court after losing their last two games to Northwestern and Michigan on the road.
These two teams are always ready to engage in a tough game, but the Spartans should have an advantage in the front court which The Only Colors feels should be the difference in the game that Michigan State needs to expose.
To me, that's really the story of this game - can MSU impose their style of play on Purdue, most importantly by dominating with size in the post? If MSU is unable to do that, they may find themselves having to play Purdue's game and open the door to suffer a home upset. This is a prime opportunity to right the ship, protect homecourt, and let struggling MSU players like Keith Appling, Adreian Payne, and Branden Dawson get their groove back.
The game is scheduled to start at noon and will be televised on ESPN.
For more on the Michigan State Spartans, check out The Only Colors. You can also head over to SB Nation's main NCAA Basketball hub at SBNation.com/NCAA-Basketball.