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Kenny Goins, Matt McQuaid and Cassius Winston of Michigan state the preparation of the Final Four.
Matt Charboneau, The Detroit News

Matt Charboneau, James Hawkins, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the result of Saturday's national semifinal match between Michigan State and Texas Tech (8:49 pm, CBS / WJR 760).

Cassius Winston (Photo: Mark Tenally, AP)

Matt Charboneau: The Red Raiders will make life difficult for the Spartans with the best defense in the country. However, the state of Michigan is also among the top 10 defenders and has the advantage of being one of the most effective offenses in the country. That should make all the difference with leader Cassius Winston, who will be able to withstand the pressure as Michigan State pulls the ball enough and comes out in transition to win a close battle and reach the national championship game. State of Michigan 68, Texas Tech 60

James Hawkins: Texas Tech's defense is the real deal, just ask Buffalo, Michigan and Gonzaga. And the offense, led by future lottery coach Jarrett Culver, does not get the respect it deserves. But the Red Raiders do not have this indescribable quality and what the Spartans have special. As long as Cassius Winston remains Cassius Winston, the state of Michigan takes less than 10 turnovers and the team has enough points open, allowing it to get closer to the first national title of the program since 2000. State of Michigan 66, Texas Tech 63

John Niyo: Michigan State is doing well – rebounding the offensive, three point shot – as a team has to beat Texas Tech. I am not convinced, however, that they have exceeded their sales targets. Especially against a defense that is unlike any other. After watching the Red Raiders dismantle Michigan and thwart the country's most effective offensive in Gonzaga, I found that something similar was happening here in Minneapolis. Texas Tech 65, Michigan State 62

Bob Wojnowski: Texas Tech has a formidable defense that forces the numbers, but Cassius Winston has managed many formidable forces. The key will be whether the Spartans can get to the offensive glass, which they do so well, and hit a few 3-point points (hello Matt McQuaid?). After defeating Duke's fantastic freshmen, Michigan State is about to fight here. The Red Raiders have a legitimate star at Jarrett Culver, but are not a prolific 3-point shooting team. This is a brutal confrontation for most teams, but the Spartans are too. State of Michigan 64, Texas Tech 59

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