Big Ten Basketball: In-depth look at Michigan-Michigan State rivalry

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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) /

The Glue and Grit Players for Both Teams

These players may not be the superstars or the biggest stat producers for the Spartans but they are valuable and have helped Michigan State throughout the season. Sophomore Xavier Tillman, Seniors Matt McQuaid and Kenny Goins, Junior Kyle Ahrens, and Freshmen Aaron Henry have all contributed to Michigan State’s success this season. Tillman for example averages 8.2 Points, 7.3 Rebounds, and 2.2 Assists per game. He has stepped up and has been a big boost for the Spartans this season.

Goins is averaging 9.6 Rebounds and 2.4 Assists per game for Michigan State and has done everything Izzo has asked him to do. Ahrens and McQuaid combined average 14.3 points per game as well as 5.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Aaron Henry has helped the Spartans just at the right time when the injuries started to pile up.

The Wolverines have their own glue and grit players in Juniors Jon Teske and Zavier Simpson and Sophomore Isaiah Livers. Teske averages 9.2 Points and 6.4 Rebounds per game and Simpson’s numbers may not jump out at you but like the Spartans Tillman, but he is very valuable to Michigan and is averaging 8.8 Points, 4.9 Rebounds, and 5.6 Assists per game. Livers like the Spartans Goins has really helped the Wolverines be successful this season by averaging 7.6 Points, 4.1 Rebounds, 0.7 Assists per game.

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