In this exciting college basketball matchup, the Georgia Southern Eagles take on the Michigan State Spartans on November 28, 2023. The Eagles are 0-6 and are coming off a 93-76 home loss against the Northeastern Huskies while the Spartans are 3-3 and are coming off a 74-68 home loss against the Arizona Wildcats. This game promises to be an intriguing clash between two teams striving to make their mark in the 2023-2024 season. Check out our Georgia Southern vs Michigan State Prediction.

Struggling to Find Their Offensive Rhythm

The Georgia Southern Eagles have found themselves in a challenging position at the start of the 2023-2024 college basketball season. With a winless record of 0-6, they are desperately seeking their first victory. One of the glaring issues for the Eagles has been their offensive struggles. They are currently averaging 70.3 points per game, which, on its own, may seem respectable. However, their shooting percentages tell a different story. The Eagles have been shooting at a subpar 39.4% from the field and an equally concerning 32.6% from beyond the arc. These numbers indicate that their shot selection and execution need significant improvement.

Defensively, Georgia Southern faces another set of challenges. They are conceding an average of 85.0 points per game to their opponents, a statistic that places them near the bottom of the rankings. Part of this defensive struggle can be attributed to their opponent’s field goal percentage, which stands at a concerning 50.0. Their opponents are finding success in scoring efficiently against the Eagles. Additionally, Georgia Southern’s rebounding efforts have been underwhelming, with an average of just 32.0 total rebounds per game, which leaves them at a disadvantage in controlling the boards.

Despite their tough start, the Georgia Southern Eagles have some standout performers. Guard Deuce Dean leads the team in scoring, averaging 12.8 points per game, showing his ability to put points on the board while also being a facilitator, dishing out 2.0 assists per game. Forward Avantae Parker is a force on the boards, averaging 5.0 rebounds per game. In the Sun Belt Conference standings, the Eagles find themselves last with a 3-3 record. While their overall record is still seeking its first win, their conference performance shows that they can be competitive within their league. The challenge now is to translate that competitiveness into victories on the court.

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Consistency and Defensive Prowess

The Michigan State Spartans have had a mixed start to their 2023-2024 college basketball campaign, holding a 3-3 record. One of their strengths has been their ability to maintain a level of consistency. Offensively, they are averaging a respectable 73.0 points per game. Their field goal percentage of 43.9 indicates their efficiency in converting scoring opportunities. However, their three-point shooting, at 26.8%, leaves room for improvement. Defensively, the Spartans have been a standout team, allowing only 63.5 points per game, which places them among the top defensive units in college basketball. Their opponent’s field goal percentage, at an impressive 35.5, reflects their ability to stifle their adversaries’ shooting efficiency.

Rebounding has been a significant asset for the Spartans, as they grab an average of 38.7 total rebounds per game, showcasing their dominance on the boards. This aspect provides them with extra possessions and opportunities to control the pace of the game. Michigan State’s commitment to defensive principles is further emphasized by their opponent’s three-point percentage of 27.9. These statistics collectively highlight their prowess in defensive execution, making them a tough team to score against.

Individual contributions have played a pivotal role in the Spartans’ performance. Guard Tyson Walker leads the team in scoring, averaging an impressive 22.0 points per game, showing his ability to take charge and put points on the board consistently. Guard A.J. Hoggard has been a valuable playmaker, averaging 4.2 assists per game, while center Mady Sissoko has been a force on the boards, grabbing an average of 6.7 rebounds per game. In the highly competitive Big Ten conference, the Spartans find themselves in 13th place with a conference record of 3-3. While their overall record indicates a degree of inconsistency, their strong defensive foundation and rebounding prowess suggest that they can compete effectively within their conference.

David’s Pick: Michigan State Spartans -25.5

In this matchup, I have to give the edge to the Michigan State Spartans. Their defensive prowess, boasting a stellar opponent field goal percentage of 35.5, will make it challenging for the struggling Georgia Southern Eagles to find open shots. Furthermore, Michigan State’s dominance on the boards with 38.7 rebounds per game will provide them with crucial second-chance opportunities. With Tyson Walker leading the scoring charge at 22.0 points per game, the Spartans possess the offensive firepower to outscore their opponents consistently.

A closer look at the statistics reveals that the Spartans are not only the better defensive team but also more efficient on the offensive end. The Eagles’ struggles to convert their shots, evident in their 39.4 field goal percentage, will likely be exploited by Michigan State’s formidable defense. Additionally, the Spartans’ ability to control the glass and limit second-chance opportunities for their opponents puts them in a favorable position. With these factors in mind, my pick is for Michigan State to secure a convincing victory in this matchup.