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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

NCAA Men’s basketball action resumes with a fiery Big Ten encounter as the Michigan State Spartans battle the Purdue Boilermakers. This is the first of their 2 encounters, and the second game will be played later on February 16th.

The Spartans are coming off their best game of the season. They beat the #21 ranked Rutgers, who are an impressive team. They held them to just 45 points and won by 23 points.

This big win will give the Spartans the motivation they need for this game. They need this win and the motivation because after this they face the #5 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes.

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The Boilermakers, on the other hand, are on a two-game losing streak, with losses against the Scarlet Knights and the Illinois Fighting Illini.

They desperately need a win tonight to break the streak and improve their 7-5 record. Similar to the Spartans, the Boilermakers also have a tough schedule ahead, so they need a win now.

NCAA Men’s Basketball: Can the Spartans extend their winning run?

The Spartans roster has just 2 players in double-digit points but their scoring is spread out. Aaron Henry leads their scoring with 14 points per game, and he will be expected to do the same tonight.

A.J. Hoggard, Joshua Langford, and Aaron Henry will start as the guards for the Spartans. Thomas Kithier and Joey Hauser will play as the forwards to complete the lineup.

USA Today via Reuters

Purdue has 2 players who are among the best in their positions in the Big Ten Conference. Sasha Stefanovic ranks #1 in 3-point shooting percentage, while Trevion Williams ranks #2 in rebounds per game.

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So their lineup for tonight is likely to feature Sasha Stefanovic, Eric Hunter Jr., and Brandon Newman as their guards, while Trevion Williams and Mason Gillis play as their forwards.

USA Today via Reuters

After their recent performances, it will be hard to not have the Spartans as the favorites for this matchup. They are hitting the right notes on both ends, and against a struggling team like the Boilermakers, they should be able to continue their form.

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Trevion Williams will carry Purdue’s hopes. The Spartans could struggle against this size, and he could be in for a big game. If the Spartans can find a way to keep him in check, they will certainly emerge victorious.