Michigan State vs Kansas State 3/23/23 - College Basketball Picks & Predictions

The Michigan State Spartans will play a Sweet 16 game Thursday against the Kansas State Wildcats in Madison Square Garden. Michigan State got to the Sweet 16 following a nine point upset win over Marquette on Sunday. Defensively the Spartans were fantastic allowing just 60 points on 38.5% shooting and forced 16 turnovers in 40 minutes. Offensively Michigan State was the better team making 44.4% of their shots and knocked down 19 free throws to score 69 points in 40 minutes resulting in the win.

Tyson Walker led the show for Michigan State with 23 points on 17 shots in 36 minutes on the floor. Joey Hauser was second on the team with 14 points and 10 rebounds in 35 minutes, while AJ Hoggard added a third best 13 points in 29 minutes as the third Michigan State starter in double figures. Big man Mady Sissoko chipped in eight points and a team leading 10 rebounds in 21 minutes of game time.

The Kansas State Wildcats come into the Sweet 16 with 25 wins on the year after a 6 point victory over Kentucky on Sunday in the second round. Defensively Kansas State shined allowing only 69 points on 41.3% shooting and forced 16 turnovers in the game. Offensively Kansas State was fantastic as well making 48.1% of their shots and knocked down five long balls and 18 free throws to score 75 points after a 46 point second-half.

Markquis Nowell led the show for the Kansas State offense with 27 points on 14 shots after playing all 40 minutes in the game. Keyontae Johnson scored 13 points on 14 shots, while Nae’Qwan Tomlin and Desi Sills each poured in 12 points as the third and 4th starter for Kansas State in double figures. The Kansas State bench combined to score 7 total points in the game.