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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