10. Michigan State (21-5)
In recent weeks things haven’t exactly gone Michigan State’s way. The Spartans were in brilliant position both in the national picture and the Big Ten title race before dropping three of their last four games, including tough showings against Minnesota and Wisconsin in road losses. Still in pretty solid shape, Tom Izzo knew his squad still had fight left in them and they showed that as they could this week.
The Spartans only saw action once this past week but it was a profound effort on Tuesday night. Thanks to a strong opening half in which they built a 20-point lead, Michigan State came away with an 82-59 home win against UCLA. Coen Carr and Jeremy Fears Jr. had 16 points apiece, with Fears’ 10 assists giving him a double-double against those Bruins.
An 11-4 record in the Big Ten is nothing to be disappointed about even if the Spartans know they could easily be a little bit better. Those recent struggles may or may not have been indicative of what’s to come for this team, but Izzo knows how to get the best out of his units when the calendar hits March. However, there’s a lot on their plate before that comes, with a Sunday game against Ohio State and an important trip to Purdue later on.