Michigan State Basketball: Keys for Spartans to beat Duke in Elite 8
By Ryan Kay
Using Experience over Talent to their Advantage
In terms of potential future NBA prospects on the court when these two teams meet, Duke will have a considerable advantage in that regard. According to NBA Prospects Duke is projected to have three players to be taken in the top 8 of the NBA draft. Michigan State does not have any players listed in the top 60 for this upcoming NBA draft in 2019. Will talent triumph over experience? They answer may be no and here is why.
Winston, Goins, McQuaid, and if healthy Nick Ward have much more experience than the core of Duke players and they can use it to their distinct advantage. The more experienced Michigan State players with the exception of some players like Aaron Henry should be able to perform under pressure well especially on offense near the end of the game in particular due to their tournament experiences throughout the years. Winston can get to the lane and make a clutch mid-range floater, Ward can make a key basket from the post, Goins and McQuaid’s ability to make three’s in the 2nd half when needed are important. Experience has helped each of them be able to make important baskets in the waning moments of a game.
On defense, Winston, McQuaid, Ward, and Goins have been very solid and playing good and great at times, making key defensive stops. Ward had a huge block against LSU stopping a second half run by the Tigers, Goins has consistently shown his rebound ability and McQuaid if fully healthy has the ability to guard the opposition’s best wing player giving the Spartans a big advantage this far in the NCAA tournament. Experience has given the Spartans wisdom and composure.