MSU vs. Virginia Tech: Three Things To Watch

Michigan State Basketball takes on Virginia Tech in the first round of the Maui Jim Maui Invitational. Here are three things to watch.

The Maui Jim Maui invitational kicks off on Nov. 25 and the Spartans are in action against the Virginia Tech Hokies. This will be a true test for Michigan State as the Hokies are 5-0 on the season.

Here are three things to watch in this game:

Guard Matchups

There are six forwards and nine guards on the Virginia Tech roster. Guards do a lot for the Hokies on a nightly basis. As a result, Michigan State must dominate on the perimeter defensively to win this game. If not, It is likely that Virginia Tech walks away with a victory.

One player, in particular, stands out as a potential defensive nightmare for the Spartans. Freshman Landers Nolley is a 6’7″ Guard and can score both at the rim and from a distance. His height is the biggest issue for Michigan State. Cassius Winston and Rocket Watts are not tall enough to guard Nolley effectively.

Tom Izzo must scheme against Nolley with smart matchups. Maybe he throws a combination of Aaron Henry and Gabe Brown out against Nolley. Trapping Landers Nolley should be a top priority for MSU. I’d make everyone else on that Hokies roster step up.

Big Man Dominance

Michigan State should take advantage of Virginia Tech’s lack of big man talent. First of all, Xavier Tillman can eat in this game. I’m talking 20 plus points and 10 or more boards. Throw in a few assists as well. He will be the determining factor for the Spartans against the Hokies.

Beyond Tillman, look for Hall & Marble to get some important minutes. I think that Marble looked great against Charleston Southern and should get some minutes in this game. Malik Hall has shown why he deserves to play heavy minutes with his three-point shooting and hustle around the rim.

Gabe Brown Dunks

Gabe Brown is so much fun to watch. He charges at the rim with overwhelming ferocity whenever given the chance. Watch for this to continue in this game and every other game for MSU. Brown’s energy clearly lifts up this team. Don’t believe so? Watch his teammate’s reactions during the next big dunk. They love it and so do the fans.

Michigan State plays against Virginia Tech at 5 P.M. Eastern Time. We will have more coverage before this game, during, and after. Stay locked on SpartansWire for all the info you need.

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