Tag: michigan state baskteball

Michigan State Basketball sits atop Detroit News Big Ten Power Rankings

Michigan State basketball ranks no. 1 in the Detroit News Big Ten Power Rankings. Read more information on this placement here.

Oh, man, it feels good to be back. Many doubted Michigan State during the harsh parts of this season. Now, everyone gives proper respect to one of the best Big Ten teams around. MSU sits atop the Detroit News Big Ten Power Rankings. Note, the Spartans ranked at No. 5 last week.

Here is what Matt Charboneau had to say about his decision:

“The Spartans enter the final week of the season still a game behind Maryland for first place in the Big Ten, however, the last week reminded everyone why they were the preseason favorite to begin with. A dominant second half closed out a win over Iowa, followed by a complete 40 minutes to hand Maryland its first home loss, have MSU on a roll as it heads to Penn State on Tuesday before closing at home against Ohio State.”

The Spartans are back in action tonight against the Penn State Nittany Lions. You can catch this action on ESPN at 7 P.M.

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Michigan State Basketball vs. Maryland: 5 Most Important Players

Michigan State Spartans basketball welcomes the Maryland Terpins to the Breslin Center. Here are the 5 most important players in this game.

The Breslin Center hosts a Big Ten matchup featuring Michigan State and Maryland. The Maryland Terpins have won their last seven Big Ten games against good competition. The Spartans have a tough assignment in this nationally televised game.

Here are the five most important players in this game:

1. Cassius Winston

Cassius Winston scored 12 points against Illinois, shooting 3/6 from the floor. This was not a poor performance from Cassius but rather, MSU needs more from the senior Guard. Especially given the current scoring slump amongst Spartan perimeter players. 25 points or more from Winston can lift Michigan State to victory.

2. Xavier Tillman

Xavier Tillman ended the game against Illinois with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Another quite double-double from the beloved MSU big man. Another double-double will be incredibly helpful against Maryland. Especially given Maryland Forward Jalen Smith’s tremendous rebounding ability. Tillman must battle hard in the trenches for each and every rebound in this Big Ten matchup against the Terpins.

3. Rocket Watts

Rocket Watts was on fire against Illinois, scoring a career-high 21 points. Most importantly, these points were incredibly meaningful. Watts scored bucket after bucket in crunch time during key moments. He is a crucial part of MSU’s success in this final stretch of games before the NCAA tournament. Let’s see if he can go for another 20-point game against an impressive Maryland defense.

4. Aaron Henry

Maryland has an absolutely elite perimeter player named Anthony Cowan Jr. Aaron Henry is arguably the best perimeter defender on MSU’s roster. As a result, he will likely matchup against Cowan more often than not. Henry must defend at the highest level possible. Cowan scoring more than 25 points is a recipe for disaster.

5. Malik Hall

Malik Hall is still a very young player and it shows on the court. He hustles hard and plays with energy but is still putting his game together. I think Malik Hall can certainly contribute significantly off the bench. Even if this contribution is just 10 points and five rebounds. Hopefully, Hall can ignite the Spartans with some high effort plays on the court!

Michigan State and Maryland play at 6 P.M. on ESPN tomorrow. Stay locked on SpartansWire for more plenty more coverage to come.

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