Tag: msu vs michigan basketball

3 Key Takeaways: Michigan State Basketball loses to Michigan at Crisler Center

Michigan State Basketball suffered a loss at the hands of Michigan yesterday at the Crisler Center. Here are 3 key takeaways from this game.

Michigan State lost yesterday to Michigan at the Crisler Center, 77-68. The Spartans suffered from yet another slow start in a ruckus, away crowd atmosphere. As a result, MSU moves to 16-8 overall and 8-5 in Big Ten Conference play.

Here are three key takeaways from this game.

1. Slow Starts Haunt MSU

Michigan State scored no more than five points in the first ten minutes of this game. Yes, this is a real statistic. The Spartans can no longer start games in such a slow manner. Especially when playing a rivalry game in an intense away game situation. MSU needs to make changes and needs a big scoring spark early on in games.

2. Sophomore Slump

Right now, Michigan State’s sophomores are in a brutal slump. In particular, Gabe Brown and Aaron Henry are struggling mightily against Big Ten opponents. Brown and Henry combined for 11 total points. Brown went 0/5 from the floor for a total of zero points whereas Henry scored 11 points on 3/8 shooting from the floor. There is still time left in the season but both players must contribute higher point totals.

3. Let’s Not Panic Just Yet

As I mentioned earlier this week, the Big Ten boasts some serious depth. Not to mention that Michigan hit its stride at the right time, adding Isaiah Livers back to their lineup against MSU. Livers contributed a smooth 14 points on 5/10 shooting in his return against the Spartans. Let’s not panic just yet, Michigan State still has time to figure things out.

The Spartans face off against Illinois next on Feb. 11, this upcoming Tuesday. The game takes place at 9 P.M and broadcasts live on ESPN.

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No. 16 Michigan State Basketball vs Michigan: 5 Most Important Players

Michigan State Basketball plays interstate rival Michigan for the second time this season. Here are the 5 most important MSU players.

Michigan State and Michigan face off in their second basketball game of the season. This time, the Spartans play in the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. In their last meeting, MSU beat the Wolverines 87-69.

Here are the five most important players in this game:

1. Aaron Henry

I will always include Aaron Henry on my five most important players. Michigan State needs Henry now more than ever before. Joshua Langford is not walking through that door. Joey Hauser is not walking through that door. Aaron Henry has the physical abilities and basketball IQ, he just needs to put everything together. There is still time left in the season.

2. Xavier Tillman

Xavier Tillman scored 16 points in the last two games. Simply put, he must score in double digits each and every game. MSU really lacks offensive depth right now due to Aaron Henry’s struggles and Joshua Langford’s injury. On a more positive note, Tillman has grabbed 25 rebounds in the past two games and has blocked six shots. He must provide a balanced performance against Michigan tomorrow.

3. Gabe Brown

Gabe Brown is supremely athletic but struggles to score at a consistent clip. Brown’s three-point shooting is crucial to the MSU offense. Right now, the Spartans desperately need more perimeter scoring. 18 points or more from Brown works wonders against the Wolverines this Saturday.

4. Marcus Bingham Jr.

Michigan Center Jon Teske is really pesky in low post situations. Marcus Bingham Jr. played well against Teske in their last matchup. Now, he must show up to play at a high level against Jon Teske yet again. Marcus Bingham Jr. is a core piece of MSU’s defense in each and every game.

5. Rocket Watts

Michigan boasts a good group of perimeter players. As a result, Rocket Watts must step up on both ends of the court. Watts will likely matchup against a talented guard on defense. On offense, he must help spark the Spartans during scoring droughts. Luckily, Rocket Watts is hitting his stride at the perfect time.

The Spartans and Wolverines play at 12 P.M. this Saturday on Fox. SpartansWire has all the MSU Basketball coverage you need and more.

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Michigan State Basketball faces Michigan on the road: 3 Things to Watch

Michigan State Basketball travels to play interstate rival Michigan this Saturday. Here are three things to watch in this matchup.

Michigan State Basketball travels to the Crisler Center for another game against the Michigan Wolverines. Michigan State is 16-7 overall and 8-4 in Big Ten play. Michigan, on the other hand, is 13-9 overall and 4-7 in Big Ten Conference play.

Here are three things to watch in this game:

1. Michigan In A Slump

Michigan is 2-5 in their last seven games. This includes losses to Minnesota, Iowa, Penn State, Ohio State, and Illinois. The Wolverines started the season hot but have simmered as of late. Nonetheless, Michigan State cannot approach this game in a lackadaisical manner. Away games have been a problem for the Spartans and Crisler Center will be rocking. Michigan might have a bounce-back game against the Spartans. Keep an eye on the moment in this game.

2. Isaiah Livers Injury Status

Wolverine Forward Isaiah Livers missed the last game against MSU with a groin injury. Livers returned against Illinois on Jan. 25 but left the game with an injury. He is listed as day-to-day and his status is up in the air. Isaiah Livers stretches the floor with accurate three-point shooting and is rather vital to the Wolverines. His absence certainly contributes to Michigan’s recent losing streak.

3. Offensive Spark

Cassius Winston led MSU in scoring in the past five games, tallying up a total of 101 points. The other starting four Spartans have contributed 165 total points during this five-game stretch. Michigan State features a roster of impressively talented players. I believe these players will find their rhythm over the next few weeks. Let’s see how the Spartan’s offense responds in a ruckus away game environment.

The Spartans and Wolverines face off at 12 P.M. this Saturday on Fox. Tune-in and stick with us on SpartansWire for more coverage of this rivalry game.

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