Busting Brackets
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Michigan State Basketball: 3 keys to success against Ohio State

By Jason Burgess

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 20: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 20: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans looks on during a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 20: Kaleb Wesson #34 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts in the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during their game at Madison Square Garden on January 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 20: Kaleb Wesson #34 of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts in the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during their game at Madison Square Garden on January 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

1. Try to contain Kaleb Wesson

This matchup is likely to be a close one and, one way or the other, a key factor for a Spartan victory will be how well Michigan State can contain the Buckeyes’ leading scorer and rebounder, 6-9 sophomore Kaleb Wesson. This responsibility will likely fall on the shoulders of Ward who, at 6-8 245lb., can bang down low with the 6-9 270lb. Wesson.

Wesson has made a jump from his freshman season to this year. Last season, he averaged 10.2 points and 4.9 rebounds, and as a sophomore, he has jumped those numbers to 16.5 and 6.8. A major difference for the forward this year has been that he has been more aggressive offensively. In his first year, Wesson attempted about six shots per game and this year he’s been making nearly that many shots (5.2). His aggressiveness has also shown itself at the free throw line, where he is averaging over 7.2 shots per game this season, compared to the 4.1 he took as a freshman.

The other Spartan who should get a chance at defending Wesson should be 6-8 260lb. Grand Rapids native Xavier Tillman. Wesson is likely to get his points and rebounds, but the key for Michigan State will be to keep his production to a minimum.

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