5 Bold Predictions for No. 7 Michigan State vs. No. 10 Georgia

By Connor Muldowney

5 Bold Predictions: Michigan State vs. Georgia

Michigan State
Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

With the 2015 NCAA Tournament finally upon us, it's time to look at each and every matchup and make some predictions on what will happen. I mean, who doesn't love some good March-themed bold predictions for the madness that is about to ensue.

That being said, let's take a look at five bold predictions for the Michigan State vs. Georgia matchup on Friday.

5. Michigan State Will Take Double-Digit Lead in First Half

Michigan State
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

5. Michigan State Will Take Double-Digit Lead in First Half

Michigan State Intro
David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State is a team that is good at taking early leads -- but not the best at keeping those big leads. The Spartans will come out hot and put Georgia on the ropes early. Denzel Valentine and Travis Trice will start the game shooting the lights out, but they will eventually cool off.

4. Georgia Will Regain Lead in Second Half

Georgia
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

4. Georgia Will Regain Lead in Second Half

Georgia
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia is finally getting healthy at the right time and there are pieces in place that match up very well with the Spartans. The Bulldogs will put together a nice run in the second half and take a brief lead before it is snatched away by Michigan State.

3. Marcus Thornton Will Carry Georgia With a Double-Double

Marcus Thornton
Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

3. Marcus Thornton Will Carry Georgia With a Double-Double

Marcus Thornton
Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Thornton will be the saving grace for the Bulldogs throughout the game as he will be grabbing rebounds and racking up enough points to give the Spartans problems in the post. Thornton will create some issues down low as Michigan State big men will be fouling often to keep up with him.

2. Travis Trice Will Come Up Clutch

Travis Trice
Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

2. Travis Trice Will Come Up Clutch

Travis Trice
Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

After Georgia keeps the game close at some points in the second half, senior point guard Travis Trice will take it upon himself, like he usually does, to put the team on his back. Don't be surprised if the pint-sized guard puts up big second half numbers on some huge three-point shots.

1. Michigan State Will Win on Free Throws

Branden Dawson
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

1. Michigan State Will Win on Free Throws

Branden Dawson
Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Despite being one of the best three-point shooting teams in the nation, the Spartans have been one of the worst free throw shooting squads. Michigan State shot just 63 percent from the line and lost most of its games from the stripe. The Spartans will shock everyone and win a close-ish game by pulling away on made free throws.

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