5 Observations: Michigan State bounces back in win over Southern Indiana

There wasn't anything Michigan State was going to tonight to erase the disappointment of Monday's season-opening loss, but the Spartans took care of business in a "get right" game against Southern Indiana.

Head coach Tom Izzo had his guys ready to go tonight, as MSU was dialed all the way up on defense and smothered the Screaming Eagles with its defense. Southern Indiana was held to a ghastly 4-of-27 shooting from the floor in the first half (15%). After a slow start offensively themselves, the Spartans settled in and used a 16-0 run through the middle of the opening frame to seize control. MSU lead 37-14 at halftime.

The second half wasn't as clean, as the two teams played to a 37-37 tie after halftime. However, Michigan State got the monkey off its back and put one in the win column heading into a huge game against No. 2 Duke next Tuesday. Here are five observations from tonight...

1.) Defensive intensity noticeably higher

As expected, Michigan State came out with an attitude tonight, particularly on the defensive end. The Spartans were aggressive and physical early on, and held Southern Indiana to just 1-of-18 shooting to start the game. While the intensity was there, MSU still gave up too many good looks from 3-point range, yet the Screaming Eagles hit on only one of the first seven attempts from deep. Michigan State's aggressiveness led to five steals as a team and nine Southern Indiana turnovers in the first half.

The Spartans weren't as dialed in defensively in the second half, however, which was somewhat disappointing. Southern Indiana went on a 12-0 run during one second-half stretch, much to the irritation of Izzo. Michigan State allowed the Eagles to shoot 15-for-33 in the second half. It would have been more satisfying to see the Spartans stay locked in for the full 40 minutes, but its hard to complain after a 23-point victory.

2.) Offense still stagnant out of the gate

Michigan State was better offensively at the start tonight than against James Madison or the exhibition vs. Tennessee, but the halfcourt offense continues to be a work in progress. The Spartans opened the game 4-of-12 from the floor, and one of those makes came in transition on a Jaden Akins dunk. Maybe it's the extended rotation that Izzo is utilizing right now, but it didn't seem like MSU could get in a rhythm through the first 10-plus minutes tonight.

The Spartans did seem to settle in as the game went on, however. Michigan State closed the first half connecting on eight of their last 11 shot attempts. For the game, the Spartans finished at 48% from the floor (25-for-52). MSU also returned to form from the free throw line, knocking down 23-of-28 attempts from the charity stripe.

3.) Sissoko and Hall answer the call

Izzo called out his upperclassmen and his frontcourt after the loss to James Madison, and two guys who responded tonight were Malik Hall and Mady Sissoko. Hall was much more aggressive on the offensive end, got to the free throw line and was efficient. For the game, Hall finished with 12 points while shooting 3-of-6 from the floor and 6-for-6 at the foul line. He added four rebounds, two assists and did not have a turnover.

Meanwhile, MSU just got what it needed out of Sissoko — good effort on defense, rebounding, a good free throw shooting night and a couple timely buckets. It resulted in a double-double for the senior, who finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Sissoko shot 7-of-8 from the free throw line. It was a really good night from Michigan State's starting frontcourt.

4.) 3-point shooting, rebounding still a concern

Michigan State did a lot of things better tonight, but it might be time to worry about the Spartans' 3-point shooting and their rebounding deficiencies. After shooting 1-for-20 from deep in the opener, MSU was just 1-of-11 tonight from outside as a team tonight. No player attempted more than two 3-pointers as an individual, but everyone remained cold from long range. It's fair to label distance shooting as a concern after these first two games.

On the glass, Michigan State allowed the Screaming Eagles to haul in 13 offensive rebounds, which resulted 11 second-chance points. Securing defensive rebounds has been a problem now going all the way back to the first exhibition against Hillsdale College. The Spartans had a sizeable height advantage tonight, but that didn't impact the rebounding game all that much. On the other end, MSU had just six offensive rebounds themselves (six second-chance points), and only won the battle of the boards by a 37-35 margin. That's not good enough against an opponent like this.

5.) Coen Carr was lost defensively

Tonight, we got a pretty clear picture as to why freshman Coen Carr is not in the starting lineup. He was lost on defense through much of the game tonight. He got beat on backdoor cuts, he completely lost his man once resulting in a wide-open 3-pointer and he got beat on the glass a handful of times as well.

Carr got an earful from Izzo after the 3-pointer he allowed, but a couple possessions later he threw down an impressive two-handed slam off a back cut and nice assist from A.J. Hoggard. It wasn't all bad tonight from the freshman, but it was a tough night for him and shined a light on the areas he still needs to improve.

For more coverage of Michigan State Athletics:

Subscribe to our YouTube channel: @SpartanNationPodcast
Follow us on Facebook: @SpartanNation
Follow us on Twitter: @mlounsberry_SI | @a3danm