Michigan State vs Texas Tech: Key storylines in Final Four matchup

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: The Texas Tech Red Raiders celebrate with the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament West Regional trophy after defeating the Gonzaga Bulldogs at Honda Center on March 30, 2019 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 31: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate by cutting down the net after defeating the Duke Blue Devils in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Duke Blue Devils with a score of 68 to 67. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

2. Xavier Tillman’s steady emergence

Throughout the season and his career with Michigan State, Nick Ward has been a steady post presence down low for around 20 minutes a game. He can be a handle down low to deal with one-on-one and is an efficient offensive player.

But Ward does have his limitations on both ends of the court. That’s where Xavier Tillman comes in, starting the team’s last 12 games to this point. The increase in minutes has turned into much higher production, including 19 points in the Duke win. The sophomore big man has a similar size to Ward but is much more mobile and a better overall defender. He’s played around 30 minutes a game in the NCAA Tournament and has raised the team’s collective overall ceiling to win it all.

Tillman will be needed against Texas Tech and their athletic bigs. He can deal with Tariq Owens and Norense Odiase much better than Ward can and more importantly, defend the ball screens the Red Raiders love to employ out on the perimeter. He also forces Beard and the opponents to worry about him causing foul trouble in the paint. If Tillman has a great game and creates easy buckets for the Spartans, Michigan State will have a great chance to win the game.

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