Tag: rocket watts

Michigan State Basketball Postseason Awards: Rookie of the Year

The Spartans Wire Michigan State Basketball postseason awards are here. Come and vote for the best rookie of the year and more today!

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Welcome to the Spartans Wire Michigan State basketball Postseason Awards for the 2019-20 season. Over the next week, we will post a poll for fans to vote on our awards each and every business day. Then, at the end of the month, we will provide the fan voting results and our staff picks.

Let’s kick things off with Rookie of the Year. Which freshman had the best year for the Spartans?

Vote for MSU Basketball’s ROTY Below:

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Stay tuned for more basketball postseason award polls this week!

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Locked On Spartans Podcast: Basketball transfer heartbreak, Football season win total

MSU misses out on a big transfer. What do they do now at point guard?

Wil and Matt discuss Michigan State’s point guard situation after missing out on Carlik Jones and then choose sides for MSU football’s win total over/under of 4.5 games.

You can find the episode on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts.

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Rocket Watts ranks No. 5 on Andy Katz’s Top 5 Favorite Big Ten SG’s

Michigan State basketball Guard Rocket Watts has cracked Andy Katz’s top 5 favorite Big Ten Shooting Guards from this season.

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Andy Katz of NCAA.com is ranking his favorite Big Ten players by position for the 2019-20 season. Michigan State basketball Guard Rocket Watts has cracked Katz’s top 5 favorite Big Ten SG’s from this season. Watts comes in at No. 5 after an up and down rookie season. Rocket had an adjustment period earlier this year but finished the season playing at a ridiculously high level.

Watch Andy Katz explain his list below:

Rocket Watts ranks behind Maryland’s Aaron Wiggins, Wisconsin’s Brad Davidson, Rutger’s Geo Baker, and Ayo Dosunmu from Illinois. There is plenty of reason to be high on Watts and his future with the Spartans. He made this top five list despite a slow start early on the season. I personally cannot wait to Watts on the court next season.

Earlier this week, Katz also ranked Michigan State Forward Xavier Tillman in his top 5 Big Ten Forwards.

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Michigan State Men’s Basketball G Rocket Watts named to Big Ten All-Freshman Team

Michigan State Basketball freshman Rocket Watts has been named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team.

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Earlier today, it was announced that Michigan State Men’s Basketball freshman Rocket Watts was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week after impressive performances in the Spartans wins against Ohio State and Penn State. Just a few hours later, he was named to the Big Ten Men’s Basketball All-Freshman Team.

The Big Ten Basketball All-Freshman Team is voted on by Big Ten coaches.

Watts only averaged 9 points per game this season, but he had some huge scoring outbursts starting in February. In the last four games of the season, where MSU ran the table and won out on their way to winning a share of the Big Ten Title, Watts had 21, 13, 18, and 19 points in those four games.

In addition to the scoring he provided late in the season, he also excelled as a secondary ball-handler, acting as one of the few players on the team aside from Winston and Aaron Henry who could effectively break down defenses off the dribble. His on-ball defense also allowed him to take the tougher backcourt covers for Cassius, providing some much-needed relief for the star point guard.

Here is the 2020 Big Ten Men’s Basketball All-Freshman Team:

  • Kofi Cockburn, Illinois
  • Trayce Jackson-Davis, Indiana
  • CJ Frederick, Iowa
  • Franz Wagner, Michigan
  • Rocket Watts, Michigan State

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Michigan State G Rocket Watts named Big Ten Freshman of the Week

MSU’s star freshman Rocket Watts has been named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week after the Spartans 2-0 week.

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In a week in which Michigan State knocked off Ohio State and Penn State on their way to securing a share of the Big Ten Regular Season Title, two Spartans were honored by the conference for their elite play. First, Cassius Winston was named the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Player of the Week. Then, freshman phenom Rocket Watts was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his efforts.

Watts averaged 18.5 points and 4.5 rebounds on the week and dazzled fans with his signature stepback threes. Watts has found a new level of consistency in his play over this run for the Spartans and he has been a huge part of their ability to jump back into the top 10 in the country.

Not only has Watts been an elite scorer and a great second-ball handler, but his superb defense has been a huge boost for a team that is missing Joshua Langford.

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MSU Basketball earns share of Big Ten Championship with win over Ohio State

Michigan State basketball beat Ohio State, earning a share of the Big Ten Championship. Read a game recap of this game here.

Michigan State basketball thumped Ohio State 80-69, earning a share of the Big Ten Championship. This was an emotional Senior Day for Cassius Winston, Kyle Ahrens, and Conner George. Cassius led the Spartans with 27 points, six assists, and four rebounds.

Here is a game recap:

First Half

Michigan State scored the first four points of this game. Afterward, Ohio State went on a 7-0 run. The Spartans thundered right back with a 12-0 run of their own until an Ohio State free throw. This run involved back-to-back threes from Rocket Watts. Then, Xavier Tillman then hit a mid-range jumper, giving MSU an 18-10 lead with 13 minutes left in the first half.

Michigan State held an 11 point lead when Winston went to the bench. Ohio State junior Andre Wesson converted on an and-one opportunity down low in the paint. Rocket Watts hit another ridiculous three-pointer off the backboard. Both teams traded buckets back and forth. The Spartans remain ahead 31-21 with six minutes left in the first half.

In two minutes, Ohio State cut the Spartan’s 12-point lead in half. Both teams traded buckets again. Then, Xavier Tillman hit a buzzer-beater fade away to close the first half. Spartans led the Buckeyes 38-32.

Second Half

Ohio State pressed the Spartans hard in the first five minutes of the second half. Andre Wesson scored down low, tying the game at 42 points apiece. Both teams scored again, tying the game at 44-44 with 15 minutes left in the game.

Cassius Winston scored on back-to-back possessions, hitting a mid-range jumper then a three-pointer. This started a 9-2 run for Michigan State which included two layups from Aaron Henry. The Spartans ahead 53-46 with 12 minutes remaining.

Cassius Winston hit another three-pointer, making this his seventh 20-point game of the year. Rocket Watts was then fouled on a made three-point shot. His and-one conversion put the Spartans ahead by 11 points with less than 9 minutes in the game.

Malik Hall blocked a shot for an important defensive stop, keeping the Spartans ahead by double digits. Aaron Henry scored in transition to put MSU ahead by 12 points, matching their greatest lead of the game. The Spartans then pushed their lead to 16 points with five minutes remaining.

Winston hit a step-back three, giving Michigan State a 20 point lead. Ohio State cut the lead down by 11 points before the end of the game. The Spartans enjoyed a strong victory on Senior Day.

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3 Key Takeaways: Michigan State Basketball defeats Penn State on the road

Michigan State basketball beat Penn State on the road last night in a tightly contested Big Ten game. Here are 3 key takeaways.

Michigan State basketball beat Penn State last night, 79-71, in a tightly contested Big Ten road game. Xavier Tillman led the Spartans with a career-high 23 points and a dominant 15 rebounds. Michigan State won despite turnovers and a 19-point deficit in the first half.

Here are three key takeaways from this game:

1. Xavier Tillman Is The Best Defender in the Big Ten

Xavier Tillman is ridiculously talented on defense. Last night, he put on another defensive clinic against Penn State Forward Lamar Stevens. Note, Stevens will likely finish his career as one of the best Penn State basketball players of all time. Tillman still clamped him up, especially in the second half during crucial moments. No doubt Tillman will be Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year once this season wraps up.

2. Michigan State Winning Despite Sloppy Play

Cassius Winston has made some very sloppy plays as of late. For instance, he stepped out of bounds last night against Penn State. This turnover was followed by a Nittany Lions 10-2 run, including a flurry of three-pointers. Later in the game, Tillman threw the ball away to Penn State. Michigan State’s turnover problem is not going away and this spells trouble for Sparty in the NCAA tournament.

3. Starters Carry The Team Again

Last night, Penn State’s bench unit contributed 19 total points. In comparison, MSU’s bench unit contributed eight total points. Marcus Bingham Jr. and Thomas Kithier did not score any points. The Spartan’s bench does not need to score an absurd amount of points per game, however, they must contribute more than just eight. We’ll see how this performance plays out as we enter tournament season.

Michigan State plays against Ohio State this upcoming Sunday at 4:30 for a shot at the Big Ten title. The game broadcasts live on CBS.

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Michigan State basketball overcomes 19-point deficit in 79-71 victory over Penn State

Michigan State basketball overcomes a 19-point deficit vs. Penn State on the road tonight. Read more details about this game in this recap.

Michigan State basketball beat the Penn State Nittany Lions tonight, 79-71. The Spartans trailed Penn State by as many as 19 points in this game. This did not matter. MSU mounted a ridiculously impressive comeback in a tough, road atmosphere.

Here is a quick recap of this game:

First Half

Penn State won the opening tip-off which resulted in a Mike Watkins alley-oop. On the next play, Penn State Guard Jamari Wheeler hit a wide-open corner three. Then, Cassius Winston stepped out of bounds. The Nittany Lions started this game with a 10-2 run. Luckily, Michigan State answered back with two straight buckets. Spartans trailed Penn State 10-6 with 15 minutes left in the first half.

Xavier Tillman threw down an impressive putback dunk, bringing Penn State’s lead to only one point. Both teams traded buckets for the next five minutes. The Nittany Lions were 6-9 from deep in the first ten minutes of this game. Penn State led the Spartans 25-13 with 10 minutes left in the first half.

Aaron Henry scored and then set up teammate Rocket Watts for a three-pointer. Penn State answered right back with two three-pointers, bringing the lead to 15 points with seven minutes left in the first half.  Over the next seven minutes, Penn State hit more shots from deep and did not let up the offensive end.

The Spartans trailed Penn State 46-31 at the half.

Second Half

Aaron Henry splashed a three-pointer to start the second half. Rocket Watts scored on back-to-back possessions, cutting the lead down to just eight points. The Spartans continued their offensive flurry with, shooting 6/6 from the floor in the first four minutes of the second half.

Aaron Henry scored on back-to-back possessions, including a three-pointer, to tie the game at 49 apiece. Then, Xavier Tillman gave MSU its first lead of the game thanks to a beautiful Cassius Winston assist. Penn State had no choice but to call a timeout after buckets from both Winston & Watts.

Rocket Watts and Cassius Winston scored back-to-back three-pointers, stretching the MSU lead to 10 points. Penn State would not go away. Lamar Stevens converted two consecutive and-one plays. One play came as the result of an eight-second backcourt violation from Michigan State.

Winston drew a foul and hit one free-throw, boosting MSU’s lead to six points with 5:30 left in the game. Penn State cut into this lead but the Spartans pushed back. Tillman scored down low, giving MSU a 72-67 lead with less than three minutes remaining.

Aaron Henry scored in the lane. Then, Cassius Winston scored on a drive to the lane, converting on an and-one opportunity. Kyle Ahrens hit two free-throws in the last 30 seconds of this game.

Michigan State was victorious over Penn State in a tough road game. Xavier Tillman had a career-high 23 points and he snagged 14 rebounds.

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WATCH: Rocket Watts chats about recent success with Andy Katz of NCAA.com

MSU Guard Rocket Watts recently talked to Andy Katz of NCAA.com about the Spartan’s recent hot streak. Watch the full clip here.

Rocket Watts is absolutely crucial to Michigan State’s recent success. The Spartans are on a three-game winning streak heading into tonight’s game against Penn State. Watts contributes on both the offensive and defensive end.

Andy Katz of NCAA.com had a quick chat with Rocket Watts. Watch this conversation below:

Rocket Watts is still confident in MSU’s ability to win the league but does not get ahead of himself. Note, Rocket is averaging 12.6 points over the last five games along with 2.4 assists per game. Watts shut down high-profile Maryland Guard Anthony Cowan Jr. in this past weekend’s matchup with the Terpins. He will have to display dominant defense for a deep tournament run this year.

Michigan State plays against Penn State tonight at 7 P.M. on ESPN.

Stay with us on SpartansWire for more coverage to come.

3 Key Takeaways: No. 24 Michigan State Basketball defeats No. 9 Maryland

Michigan State basketball enjoyed a strong victory over the Maryland Terpins last night, 78-66. Here are three key takeaways from this game.

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Michigan State won an absolutely impressive road game last night against the Maryland Terpins, 78-66. At one point, the Spartans led the Terpins by nearly 16 points. Cassius Winston scored a team-high 20 points in this Big Ten matchup.

Here are three key takeaways from this game:

1. MSU Showcases Dynamic Defense

For the most part, Michigan State clamped up Maryland last night. Forward Jalen Smith led the Terpins in points with 20 points on the night. The Spartans primarily focused on Maryland Guard Anthony Cowan Jr., to great effect.

Cowan Jr. only scored 13 points on 6/15 shooting from the floor. Rocket Watts played excellent defense against Cowan Jr. throughout large portions of this game. Aaron Henry also helped out with stellar perimeter defense, contributing one block and one steal. Meanwhile, Tillman blocked two shots and ended the game with a steal as well.

2. Freshmen Playing With Confidence

Malik Hall and Rocket Watts really stepped up in this game against the Terpins. Most importantly, the freshmen carried themselves with confidence which is critical in away game situations. Malik Hall scored 16 points on 5/5 shooting from the floor. Rocket Watts scored 13 points on 5/13 shooting from the floor along with two rebounds and three assists.

I’ve mentioned before that Michigan State really needs thirty points or so from anyone but Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman. Malik Hall and Rocket Watts both have the talent necessary for this contribution. Hopefully, both freshmen continue this high level of play to close out the season.

3. Room For Growth

MSU’s starting five played a total of 158 minutes. The Spartan bench played a total of 42 minutes. MSU’s starting rotation scored a total of 72 points. The Spartan bench contributed a total of six points, all from Kyle Ahrens. The trend is pretty obvious.

Gabe Brown saw the floor for only five minutes in this game. Marcus Bingham Jr. played no more than three minutes. MSU has a very thin margin for error in the Big Ten Tournament. Brown must score more than 0 points for a Championship run.

Michigan State is back in action this upcoming Tuesday on Feb. 3. The Spartans face off against the Penn State Nittany Lions on ESPN at 7 P.M.

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