#10 MSU Downs the Knights 71-60

Breslin Center East Lansing, MI The #10 Michigan State Spartans saw their record on the year improve to 22-5 (13-3) with a 71-60 downing of the Scarlett

Breslin Center

East Lansing, MI

The #10 Michigan State Spartans saw their record on the year improve to 22-5 (13-3) with a 71-60 downing of the Scarlett Knights of Rutgers.

The Spartans were led by the amazing Cassius Winston who had 28 points, five rebounds, and eight assists. Xavier Tillman had his second start of the season and didn’t disappoint. He had a double-double getting 19 points and 10 rebounds. Matt McQuaid had 11 points and five rebounds and he rounded out the Spartan double-digit scorers.

Tom Izzo said, “I told you it would be a little strange. I think those guys realize that we missed a lot of open shots in there. We didn’t play that well in the first half. Had a lot of guys miss layups. At halftime, we just said that we have to play better. In the second half, they (best players) played really well. In general, considering what this team has been through it was helluva of game.”

Knights head coach Steve Pikiell said of the game, “Great environment here tonight. Coach Izzo is one of the best. We thought we could hang around. Cash (Cassius Winston) is the best point guard in the league and this is a tough place to play.”

The Spartans shot 40% from the field including 35% from the three. The Spartans shot an impressive 91% from the free throw line. The Spartans had 14 assists on 22 baskets.

Izzo added of the play of Xavier Tillman, “Xavier I never worry about. He is one of the toughest players on this team. His defense is unbelievable and he makes his free throws.”

The Spartans owned battle of the boards 45-31. The Spartans had an acceptable 10 turnovers. The Spartans had an unimpressive 19-2 disadvantage to the Knights with bench points

Pikiell added when asked about Xavier Tillman getting a double-double stepping in for an injured Nick Ward, “Michigan State doesn’t matter who they put out there. Michigan State is Michigan State and they are going to rebound and play hard no matter who is in there, but they have that culture and the best coach in the country.”

I asked Izzo about the incredible compliment by Pikiell calling him the, “Best coach in the country.” He was humbled and said, “He has done a great job with that team. He has a young team and a lot of nice parts. I hope we don’t run into them in the tournament. They are long and athletic and make some shots.”

Izzo played ten players including all of his five freshmen.

The Spartans return to Big Ten action against Michigan this Sunday at 3:45 PM back in Ann Arbor. That game can be seen on CBS.

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