Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from Spartans home win over Iowa

Aaron Henry’s ability to score and make key free throws in the 2nd half

Henry has had a roller coaster of a season after having a very strong 2nd half of play last season. Against Iowa, especially in the 2nd half, Henry made key baskets and very important free throws to seal the victory for the Spartans. For example, Henry like Winston was six for eight from the free throw line making free throws in the final minutes of the game. Most importantly, he was able to make the middle range jumpers which spread out the Hawkeye offense allowing Winston to make four three-pointers in the 2nd half.

Henry finished the game shooting 50% from the field for 17 points. He also had six rebounds and four assists as well in the game. Henry who really hasn’t played poorly on defense this season as he has always been known as a good defender but he really stepped up and played excellent defense against Iowa. His aggressive defensive play and the energy he brought regardless of who he was guarding was very beneficial for Michigan State in their victory over Iowa.

In order for Michigan State to have a chance to share the Big Ten regular-season title with Maryland who is 1 1/2 games behind the current Big Ten leader Maryland, Henry must be a viable scoring option moving forward. Michigan State’s third win in four games is not a fluke and Henry has been and needs to be an offensive catalyst for the Spartans moving forward. Henry was a key member of Michigan State’s Final Four run last year and the Spartans will need him again going into the month of March.