Michigan State Basketball: Why Spartans are the No. 1 team in the country

By Ryan Kay | Jan 24, 2019

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 06: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans dribbles the ball against the Kansas Jayhawks during the State Farm Champions Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 6, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play 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) /

1. Experience

The experience of Cassius Winston and Nick Ward is evident as both players especially on the road, have helped carry the Spartans to key victories. The two seniors Kenny Goins and Matthew McQuaid have exceeded expectations and have not just become contributors but full-time starters. Players who have been injured or have had lesser roles in the past have really given the Spartans a much-needed spark or boost this season.

Junior Kyle Ahrens and Sophomore Xavier Tillman have had games where you can make a strong argument that had they not played in those games, Michigan State may have lost. These six players ability to not be intimidated or to not make a costly mistake is one of many reasons why they have not lost a game in almost two months. Their collective experience separates them from the other top 10 teams.

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