Five takeaways from Michigan State basketball’s road win over Northwestern

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Jan 12, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Frankie Fidler (8) reacts after a dunk against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Make it nine straight wins for Michigan State basketball. The Spartans were able to hold onto a lead they carved out in the first half to take out Northwestern on the road, 78 to 68.

This was not an easy win by any means, while Northwestern might not have the best record this season, I feel that they will end the season in better shape, because they have some strong defense and a couple great scorers, but MSU was able to shut down star player Brooks Barnhizer in this one and get enough offense to hold onto the big lead they got in the first half after going on a 22 to 3 run.

Below, we put together five takeaways from a game that put the Spartans at 14 and 2 on the year and still undefeated in the Big Ten with five wins.

This defense is suffocating

Jan 12, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Jaxon Kohler (0) forward Frankie Fidler (8) defend Northwestern Wildcats guard Ty Berry (3) during the first half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

In the Spartans’ last win against Washington, they didn’t let the Huskies’ best player, Great Osobor, make a single field goal. In this game, they held Northwestern star Brooks Barnhizer for just four points. We’ve seen enough evidence this year, this defense is legit, and it’s suffocating.

Northwestern only had two players score in double-figures, and even then, a lot of those points had to come from the free throw line as MSU made life miserable for Northwestern with their intensity on defense.

This offense is extremely versatile and adaptible

Jan 12, 2025; Evanston, Illinois, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Tre Holloman (5) dunks the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

It seems like every…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/five-takeaways-michigan-state-basketballs-200540670.html

Author : Spartans Wire

Publish date : 2025-01-12 20:05:00

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