As the new year approaches, Michigan State University’s basketball program is gearing up for an exciting season. Fans of the team can’t wait to see what the Spartans have in store for them in the 2023 season. In this article, we will take a closer look at the MSU basketball schedule for 2023, including their opponents, game dates, and locations.
MSU Basketball 2023 Schedule: A Quick Overview
The MSU basketball team has an exciting season ahead of them, with a total of 30 games scheduled for 2023. The Spartans will play 20 regular-season games against Big Ten opponents, and 10 non-conference games. Here is a quick overview of the schedule:
- 20 Big Ten Games
- 10 Non-Conference Games
- 30 Total Games
Non-Conference Opponents
The MSU basketball team will start the season with some challenging non-conference games against top-ranked teams from other conferences. Here are the non-conference opponents:
Duke University
The Spartans will start the season with a bang, facing off against the Duke Blue Devils at the Breslin Center. This game is sure to be a nail-biter and a great way to kick off the season.
University of Kansas
In December, the Spartans will travel to Lawrence, Kansas, to take on the Jayhawks. This game will be a great opportunity for MSU to prove their worth against one of the top teams in the country.
University of Kentucky
The Spartans will face off against the Kentucky Wildcats at the Rupp Arena in Lexington. This game will be another test for MSU against one of the best teams in the SEC.
Other Non-Conference Opponents
In addition to these top-ranked teams, the Spartans will also play non-conference games against some other tough opponents. These games include matchups against:
- UCLA
- Texas
- Memphis
- Gonzaga
- Creighton
- Notre Dame
Big Ten Opponents
The bulk of the MSU basketball schedule will consist of games against other Big Ten teams. Here are the Big Ten opponents that the Spartans will face off against in 2023:
Illinois
The Spartans will start off their Big Ten schedule with a home game against the Fighting Illini.
Indiana
The Spartans will play the Hoosiers twice during the season, once at home and once away.
Iowa
The Spartans will play the Hawkeyes twice during the season, once at home and once away.
Maryland
The Spartans will play the Terrapins twice during the season, once at home and once away.
Michigan
The in-state rivalry game between MSU and U of M will be played twice during the season, once at home and once away.
Minnesota
The Spartans will play the Golden Gophers twice during the season, once at home and once away.
Nebraska
The Spartans will play the Cornhuskers twice during the season, once at home and once away.
Northwestern
The Spartans will play the Wildcats twice during the season, once at home and once away.
Ohio State
The Spartans will play the Buckeyes twice during the season, once at home and once away.
Penn State
The Spartans will play the Nittany Lions twice during the season, once at home and once away.
Purdue
The Spartans will play the Boilermakers twice during the season, once at home and once away.
Rutgers
The Spartans will play the Scarlet Knights twice during the season, once at home and once away.
Wisconsin
The Spartans will play the Badgers twice during the season, once at home and once away.
Key Matchups to Watch
While every game is important, some matchups stand out as particularly noteworthy. Here are some of the key games to keep an eye on:
MSU vs Duke
As previously mentioned, the season opener against Duke is sure to be a thrilling game. Both teams are perennial powerhouses, and this matchup will give MSU a chance to make a statement early on.
MSU vs Michigan
The in-state rivalry game between MSU and Michigan is always a highlight of the season. With two games against the Wolverines scheduled, there will be plenty of opportunities for both teams to come out on top.
MSU vs Iowa
Iowa is another Big Ten team that is expected to do well in the 2023 season. The two games between MSU and Iowa will be important for both teams’ conference standings.
MSU vs Ohio State
Ohio State is another conference rival that MSU will face off against twice during the season. These games will be crucial for both teams’ chances of making it to the NCAA tournament.
Game Locations
MSU will play home games at the Breslin Center, while away games will be played at the respective schools’ arenas. Here is a breakdown of the locations for the key matchups:
- MSU vs Duke: Breslin Center, East Lansing, MI
- MSU vs Kansas: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS
- MSU vs Kentucky: Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY
- MSU vs Michigan: Home and Away
- MSU vs Iowa: Home and Away
- MSU vs Ohio State: Home and Away
Conclusion
The MSU basketball schedule for 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting one, with plenty of challenging opponents and key matchups to watch. Fans of the Spartans will have plenty to look forward to as the season approaches.
FAQs
- When does the MSU basketball season start in 2023?
- The exact date is not yet known, but the season typically begins in November.
- How many games will MSU play in 2023?
- The Spartans have a total of 30 games scheduled for the 2023 season.
- Who are some of MSU’s non-conference opponents in 2023?
- Duke, Kansas, Kentucky, UCLA, Texas, Memphis, Gonzaga, Creighton, and Notre Dame are among the non-conference opponents.
- Who are some of MSU’s key conference opponents in 2023?
- Michigan, Iowa, Ohio State, and Illinois are all expected to be tough conference opponents.
- Where can I find the full MSU basketball schedule for 2023?
- The schedule is available on the MSU athletics website and will be updated as necessary throughout the season.