The Nebraska Cornhuskers will tip off Big Ten Conference play on Saturday against the Michigan State Spartans in East Lansing.
The Huskers will bring a 6-1 record and an impressive resume to the Breslin Center, with wins over a top 15 Creighton team and a North Florida team that has two power conference road wins.
The Spartans are a very deep team, and a team that has been well tested through nine games.
With a record of 7-2 with both losses coming against top 25 teams in Kansas and Memphis, the Spartans are coming off a 90-72 road victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers in their conference opener.
The Huskers and Spartans both matchup really well against each other, and can both go at least 4-5 deep into their bench.
Nebraska currently ranks one spot ahead of the Spartans in the NET (NCAA Evaluation Tool) rankings at No. 40, which takes into account a teams strength of schedule, game results, game locations and much more.
Players to Watch for MSU:
Frankie Fidler:
10.9 PTS 3.8 REB 1.1 AST
This name should be familiar to a lot of basketball fans in the state of Nebraska.
The Bellevue Nebraska native and Omaha transfer put together a very impressive three seasons at UNO, including a career best of 20.1 points per game as a sophomore.
So far this season, Fidler is second on the team in scoring, averaging 10.9 points per game, but the Spartans are still waiting for a breakout game from Fidler.
A 35.4% three point shooter while at Omaha, Fidler is only shooting 19.4% from three this season, while shooting just 14.3% from three in home games.
The Huskers aren’t going to make it easy for Fidler, but it always means something when you play against your home state.
Jase Richardson:
9.6 PTS 2.6 REB 2.3 AST
The true freshman, top 35 recruit is making a name for himself so far for the Spartans.
While his role keeps increasing, Richardson has scored in double figures in three of his last four games, including a season high of 18 in the Spartans loss to Memphis.
Richardson plays with a ton of energy and will provides a spark off the Spartans bench that the Huskers will have to be ready for.
Players to Watch for Nebraska:
Conner Essegian:
14.7 PTS 2.7 REB 2.0 AST
The former Big Ten Freshman of the Year and Wisconsin transfer has been electric for the Huskers over the last three games.
During the Huskers three game win streak, which started with a top 15 upset win on the road against Creighton, Essegian has been red hot, averaging 22 points while shooting 64% from the field and 55% from three.
Essegian will most likely be starting Saturday in place of the injured Berke Buyuktuncel, so look for coach Fred Hoiberg to get easy looks for Essegian throughout this game.
Sam Hoiberg:
2.6 PTS 2.3 REB 0.9 AST
While Hoiberg might not be the most important player to watch for on Saturday, his intensity on the defensive side of the ball is going to be a big factor in this game.
Hoiberg is averaging 2 steals per game so far this season for the Huskers, which is tied for 8th in the Big Ten.
Prediction:
I think these two teams matchup well against each other.
The Huskers defense needs to play at a good pace and try to slow this game down and make force the Spartans into some tough three point shots.
Michigan State only shoots 25.7% as a team from 3, but all it takes is a couple of threes to fall before the crowd takes control of the game.
Saturday, December 7th
11:00 AM CT BTN
Nebraska: 68 Michigan State: 74
