Michigan State basketball is gearing up for an important journey to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational. However, as demonstrated on Saturday, they know that underestimating an opponent is never a wise move.

Michigan State Basketball's Final Preps for Maui

Grudge Match with Bowling Green

On Saturday, the Spartans found themselves in a heated battle with Bowling Green. Big man Marcus Johnson was on fire, making everything he attempted in the early stages of the game. He ended up with an impressive 23 points, giving Bowling Green a genuine chance to upset the Spartans. But Coen Carr's crucial plays in the closing moments swung the game in Michigan State's favor, resulting in an 86-72 win. This showed the Spartans' grit in pulling out the victory, but it also highlighted some of the concerns that have been surrounding them. The team shot a dismal 4-for-20 from 3-point range as a whole, and their best shooter, Jaden Akins, struggled, going 1-for-5 on 3s and 5-for-16 from the field.

It was a tough lesson for the Spartans, but they will need to learn from it and improve quickly. They have one final tune-up against Samford before heading to Maui next week and potentially facing two-time defending national champions UConn.

Testing the Defense against Samford

Samford, with a record of 4-1, will pose a challenge to Michigan State's defense. The Bulldogs are averaging an astonishing 97.6 points per game, good enough for seventh in the nation. However, their defense leaves a lot to be desired. This upcoming game will be a good test for the Spartans to see how well they can defend against a high-scoring opponent.

The Spartans will play their fifth game of the season at 8 p.m. on Peacock at the Breslin Center in East Lansing. They are 3-0 at home this season, with their only loss coming at a neutral site against Kansas in the Champions Classic. This game against Samford is an important opportunity for them to continue their winning streak and prepare for the challenges ahead in Maui.

Looking Ahead to the Maui Invitational

After facing Samford, Michigan State will play Colorado in the first game of the Maui Invitational on Monday, Nov. 25. Then, they will have another game against an opponent yet to be determined on Tuesday, Nov. 26. And on Wednesday, Nov. 27, they will complete their Maui Invitational schedule with another game against another unknown opponent.

This Maui Invitational will be a crucial test for the Spartans as they look to prove themselves against tough competition. They will need to bring their best game and play with confidence to have a successful tournament. With the potential to face two-time defending national champions UConn, every game will be a battle. But the Spartans are ready to rise to the occasion and make a name for themselves in Hawaii.