The Alcorn State Braves and the Michigan State Spartans meet Sunday in college basketball action from Breslin Center. Alcorn State comes into this one at 1-3 so far following a three-point loss to UAB on Thursday. As for Michigan State, they’re fresh off a Friday matchup versus Butler. In that one the Spartans cruised to a blowout win. Check back all season long for free college basketball picks at Sports Chat Place.
Alcorn State Braves
The Braves had a couple of double-digit losses sandwiched around a 70-62 win over Xavier LA in their first three games this year. The Braves fell to Arkansas 93-59 in their opener, shooting just 33.3 percent from 3-point range and getting out-rebounded 44-26. Game three was another sizable loss 100-84 versus Arkansas State—despite 50 second-half points from the Braves.
Alcorn State took another loss versus UAB on Thursday. The Braves held a 42-41 edge at halftime but eventually faded in an 80-77 defeat. Leading the scoring in the losing effort was Dekedran Thorn with 15 points and three steals. Jeremiah Kendall managed 14 points with four steals and nine rebounds as well.
Michigan State Spartans
Over on the Michigan State side, they also sandwiched a pair of losses around a victory in their first three games this year. The Spartans took out Southern Indiana 74-51 after an opener loss 79-76 versus James Madison. Game three was a 74-65 loss to Duke. Michigan State shot 31.6 percent (6-of-19) from 3-point range in that one and got out-rebounded 40-35.
In game four versus Butler, the Spartans scored 37 points in each half on the way to a 74-54 victory. Leading the way was Tyson Walker with 21 points and four assists. AJ Hoggard added 14 points with six rebounds and four assists, and Malik Hall put up 12 points, nine rebounds and three assists in 27 minutes of work.
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’m probably going to stay with the Spartans. Michigan State has a couple of tough games in the books so far this year, however they should be able to handle Alcorn State. In their Friday matchup versus Butler, the Spartans played a solid overall game with 47.5 percent shooting, 42 rebounds, 15 team assists and nine steals. That makes 74 or more points in three of four games thus far.
As for Alcorn State, they didn’t shoot very well versus UAB in their last outing, hitting 6-of-24 (25 percent) from outside and 11-of-18 (61.1 percent) from the line. The Braves were pretty good on the offensive glass however (15) and came up with 17 steals. Michigan State will be a tougher opponent however, and I don’t see the Braves hanging around for long.
