Michigan State Hopes To Snap Road Skid Against Wisconsin

Sports News - February 2nd, 2010 - Written By John Ritter

Kalin Lucas has a way of sucking the wind out of an arena.

His basket with 3.5 seconds to go against rival Michigan was the reason the Spartans were able to pull out a 57-56 win last week. His critical three-point bucket late against Minnesota was the reason they were able to pull out another nail-biter on the road.

He is the reason Michigan State remains in the top-5 with an impressive road record while many of college basketball's elite have flopped in visiting arenas.

Kansas, Kentucky and Texas have all lost big games on the road after being named no. 1 in the country, but the Spartans haven't tumbled despite tough competition. They are 9-0 in conference this year and 12-1 in conference road games since the start of the 2008-09 season.

That said, Michigan State's fortunes may change on Tuesday night when it travels to Madison, a place it hasn't won in six-straight trips.

The Spartans beat Wisconsin at home earlier this year, 54-47, but they are still underdogs Tuesday.

According to College Basketball Betting Lines, the Badgers are giving up two points at home with a 124-point total. Michigan State is averaging less than 55 points per game against Wisconsin in since 2001.

Lucas leads the team with 16 points and four assists per, but one of the school's most-proficient point guards was 11 the last time the Spartans beat the Badgers in Wisconsin.

The same drought goes for all visitors recently. Wisconsin has won 17-straight at home, including five against ranked opponents, and has limited opponents to less than 54 points in those games. It has played the under in 10 of it's last 12 games overall.

"Wisconsin always plays us tough," said Spartan guard Durrell Summers. "I haven't won up there."

He's been held without a point in three of four games against Wisconsin, although he had 21 against Northwestern last Saturday.

"When he focuses on the task at hand, I think he's one of the best players in this league and in the country," head coach Tom Izzo said.

Wisconsin is led by Trevon Hughes with 16 points per game, but only made three shots against Michigan State in their first meeting. He will likely improve with some home cooking because he averages two points better than his season rate at home.