NCAA Basketball Power Rankings: Butler, Villanova rising for the Big East

Michigan State has rattled off four consecutive wins, two away-from-home, since falling to Duke a few weeks ago. Behind the efforts of senior point guard Cassius Winston, the team’s offense is operating at an extremely high level right now. The Spartans are seemingly emerging as the offensive juggernaut that everyone thought they could be earlier in the season. They push the pace well, can score both inside and out, offensively rebound, and limit turnovers.

This is a ball-movement heavy offense but it works with Winston dictating each set as one of the best leaders in the country. To this point in the season, Winston is leading the way with averages of 17.6 points and 6.0 assists per game. Alongside him, Xavier Tillman and Aaron Henry are the other players averaging in double-figures as they have both been quite efficient in their starting roles.

On the defensive end of the floor, Michigan State excels in the paint. The Spartans are exhibiting the 45th-best block rate in the country so far this year while limiting teams to just 41.3% shooting inside the arc. Additionally, this team cleans the defensive glass with the best of them to limit any second-chance opportunities. Michigan State does not create a ton of turnovers but they force difficult shots at the majority of possessions.

On the whole, Michigan State sits at 9-3 while having played one of the most rigorous schedules in the country. They lack true signature wins but it is fairly clear that they are still a darn good team.