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Michigan State basketball picks up signature win over Wisconsin, 84-74

By Connor Muldowney

Feb 26, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Nick Ward (44) reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Nick Ward (44) reacts to a play during the first half of a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State basketball picked up a signature win which it desperately needed over Wisconsin on Sunday night.

Ticket punched? We will soon find out if the selection committee finds Michigan State basketball fit to represent as an at-large bid in the NCAA Tournament this season following a signature win against No. 16 Wisconsin at home.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: Game-by-game predictions for February

The victory improves the Spartans to 18-11 overall and 10-6 in conference play with two games left. If Michigan State can win one this week on the road, it will essentially punch its ticket to the NCAA Tournament and get a double-bye in the Big Ten tourney.

Michigan State led big the entire game, outside of the first few minutes and last couple minutes of the first half. The four freshmen combined for 58 of Michigan State’s 84 points and Eron Harris even got to come out and kiss the Spartan logo at the end of the game.

Wisconsin hasn’t won in East Lansing since 2004.

Three Stars

Nick Ward was just a monster for the Spartans. Although he was in foul trouble and didn’t play nearly as much as he should have, Ward finished with a game-high 22 points to go along with nine rebounds and a block on 9-of-12 shooting.

Miles Bridges was once again a star for the Spartans. He finished with 17 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Progress was clear as he only turned the ball over once.

The last one was a tie between Matt McQuaid and Cassius Winston. Obviously McQuaid was a huge spark off the bench with his instant offense, looking like a different player by driving to the basket and drawing fouls, but Winston also provided a spark with his passing. McQuaid had 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting and Winston had 10 points and eight assists with just two turnovers.

Highlights

Key Stats

  • Michigan State made 41 percent of its 3-pointers while Wisconsin made just 5-of-18.
  • The Spartans had just 18 assists and 11 turnovers.
  • Michigan State scored 84 points, tied for the most given up by Wisconsin’s top-tier defense this season.
  • Michigan State’s bench out-scored Wisconsin’s, 30-10.
  • Wisconsin made just 13-of-25 free throws while the Spartans hit 21-of-23.

Related Story: MSU Recruiting: 5 bold predictions for February

What’s Next?

Michigan State will travel to Illinois on Wednesday evening for a tough battle in Champaign. If the Spartans can beat the Fighting Illini, they will truly punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament. If not, well, they will have another chance against Maryland over the weekend.

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