Texas Tech Basketball: Keys for Final Four matchup vs Michigan State

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Tariq Owens #11 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrates after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional at Honda Center on March 30, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates a basket against the Duke Blue Devils during the second half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

2. Minimize the impact made by Cassius Winston

While Jarrett Culver is one of the best players in the field, and perhaps the best remaining player in the Final Four, Michigan State has a superstar in his own right. That player is their junior point guard Cassius Winston.

Winston, the 2018-19 Big Ten Player of the Year, is the best decision-maker from the point guard position in the country and has showcased his shooting ability and defensive poise all tournament.

Winston is nearly a guarantee to score at least twenty points, dish out likely over ten assists, and make a plethora of big plays on defense.

The Duke Blue Devils had a very hard time stopping Winston, and Texas Tech certainly won’t have an easy task on their hands on Saturday.

However, they can do more than what Duke attempted to do, and that minimized the perimeter shooting.

Luckily for the Red Raiders, their defensive specialty is keeping the ball out of the paint, which is what Winston thrives in doing. Off his drive, Winston has the ability to either make close-range shots or dish out flashy assists. By sticking to their typical defensive scheme, the Red Raiders will likely be able to at least slow down one of the best players in the country in Michigan State point guard Cassius Winston.

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