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Michigan State Basketball: Are Spartans trending upward or downward as a program?

By Ryan Kay

Michigan State Spartans' A.J. Hoggard (11) Mady Sissoko (22), Tyson Walker (2) and forward Malik Hall (25) during the 69-60 win over Marquette in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Columbus, Ohio, March 19, 2023.Msumarq 031923 Kd6623 MSU huddle
Michigan State Spartans' A.J. Hoggard (11) Mady Sissoko (22), Tyson Walker (2) and forward Malik Hall (25) during the 69-60 win over Marquette in the second round of the NCAA tournament in Columbus, Ohio, March 19, 2023.Msumarq 031923 Kd6623 MSU huddle /
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Kentucky Wildcats guard Ashton Hagans Michigan State Spartans guard Cassius Winston Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Kentucky Wildcats guard Ashton Hagans Michigan State Spartans guard Cassius Winston Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

2019-20 Season

In 2019-2020, Michigan State was looking to redeem itself after falling short in the Final Four the previous year. However, injuries and inconsistency plagued the team early on in the season. Cassius Winston was still a star, but he couldn’t carry the team alone and he got the help he was looking for in mid-February. They finished with a 22-9 record and their play at the end of the season gave them hope of making a long run in the NCAA tournament before it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cassius Winston was the team’s star player and leader, averaging 18.6 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. He was named Big Ten Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

The Spartans had some early struggles, including losses to Kentucky and Duke, but bounced back with a six-game winning streak in December.

Michigan State finished the regular season with a 22-9 record and earned a share of the Big Ten regular-season championship with Wisconsin and Maryland.

Season Accomplishments

The Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball team had a successful 2019-2020 season, with several notable accomplishments. Here are some of the highlights:

Big Ten Regular Season Champions: Michigan State won the Big Ten regular-season championship with a record of 14-6 in conference play.

5th Place finish in the Maui Invitational: The Spartans defeated the Georgia Bulldogs and the UCLA Bruins after an earlier loss to Virginia Tech.

A road win in the Gavitt Tipoff Games: 76-73 victory over No. 12 Seton Hall.

Big Ten Conference victories: In January, Michigan State faced off against conference rival Michigan in what was dubbed the “Battle for the State.” The Spartans defeated the Wolverines, with an 87-69 victory. In late February, Michigan State went on the road to face the Maryland Terrapins in a game that would have major implications for the Big Ten standings. The Spartans won a close game, 78-66.

NCAA Tournament Appearance: Michigan State would have possibly earned a No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament, which was ultimately canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cassius Winston was named Big Ten Player of the Year: Senior guard Cassius Winston was named the Big Ten Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.

Xavier Tillman named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year: Junior forward Xavier Tillman was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

Season Outcome

Overall, the Michigan State Spartans had a successful season winning a third straight Big Ten regular-season championship and were poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament before it was canceled.

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