Michigan State Basketball struggled to get away from Bradley in the Round of 64 game. But in the end, the Spartans advance to take on another Big Ten team.
Many will say that Michigan State Basketball was on upset alert during the majority of their game versus #15 Bradley. The Braves had led by one point at halftime going into the 2nd half with a 35-34 lead. Bradley ended up shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc and had three more team assists than Michigan State. On social media, tweets about the Spartans referred to recent tournament upsets and how Michigan State looked poised to be upset once again. However, what you won’t hear is that the Spartans this season is unlike the past three.
This year’s Michigan State is experienced, focused, and relentless. A perfect example is the Spartans going 25 for 26 from the free thrown line against Bradley. Michigan State had less turnovers, more rebounds, and more block shots than the Braves. Cassius Winston showed once again that he is the general to lead his team into battle.
Winston against Bradley had 26 points with four assists, three rebounds, and only one turnover. The Spartans as a whole showed that they are a 2nd half team especially in the last 15 minutes of the game. Winston did have some help, especially in the later portion of the 2nd half.
It is true that seniors Matt McQuaid and Kenny Goins only combined for 13 total points. But when it mattered, Goins grabbed a key rebound and McQuaid made an important three. Nick Ward was 6 for 6 from the free throw line and finished with eight points and five rebounds. There were some unsung heros though.
The underclassmen steped up their game when it mattered most. Sophomore Xavier Tillman took his game to another level in the second half and ended up scoring 16 points with 11 rebounds for a double double. True freshman Aaron Henry had a not so good first half and eventually an ear full from his coach Tom Izzo. Henry’s eight points and three rebounds and one assist is not all that impressive but his defense in the 2nd half slowed down the Bradley guards and allowed the Spartans to pull away in the final two minutes. Look for the Spartans as a whole to continue to improve all around in the round of 32.
Michigan State plays fellow Big Ten member Minnesota in the 2nd round. The Gophers best Louisville by 10 to advance to play the Spartans. Michigan State dominated Minnesota in their only time they played when the Spartans beat 79-55 in East Lansing on February 9th. Ward had a dominating game against the Gophers and hopes to regain some of that play when they face off in Des Moines, Iowa. Should be a game that Michigan State looks forward to in order to advance to the Sweet Sixteen.