Detroit News predictions: MSU vs. UM

Matt Charboneau, John Niyo, Tony Paul and Bob Wojnowski predict the outcome of Saturday's Michigan State at Michigan game (2 p.m., CBS).

Matt Charboneau: In a battle of two of the top 3-point shooting teams in the Big Ten, the play in the post likely will be the difference. Michigan State and Michigan can win from the perimeter, but only the Spartans have shown they consistently can score in the post, as well. The Spartans big men will be challenged on the defensive end, but they’ll have an advantage at the other end of the court that should give Michigan State the advantage. Michigan State 70-60

John Niyo: Michigan won’t get blitzed like it did by Indiana, and a smaller lineup could give Michigan State trouble. But the way this Michigan team plays defense, getting beat in transition and failing to close out on shooters, they’ll get beat just the same. Michigan State 72-65

Tony Paul: There’s no looking back now. Before the week began, I predicted a loss to Indiana and a win over Michigan State because the Spartans, well, they’ve had their struggles at Crisler recently. Getting waxed by IU gave me some pause, but that can only serve as motivation for this one. Michigan 71-69

Bob Wojnowski: The Spartans have more size, certainly can match the Wolverines 3-point shooting and are playing better and better. This is a dangerous juncture for Michigan after getting blown out by Indiana, and you’d expect a feisty response. The Wolverines hopes rest on Zak Irvin and Derrick Walton Jr. pushing the ball, not just settling for outside shots. The advantage for the Spartans is Denzel Valentine and the inside guys, and that should be enough to pull it out. Michigan State 74-71