Michigan State Basketball: 5 Reasons Spartans Will Beat Duke

Mar 22, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Travis Trice (20) handles the ball during the second half against the Virginia Cavaliers in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

5. Travis Trice Will Need to be Travis Trice

The title of this slide basically speaks for itself. If Trice is his normal self, the Spartans will have no problem taking an early leading and putting it away before Duke even has a chance to breathe. Early buckets and big three pointers are Trice’s M.O. when it comes to performing in big games when his team needs him the most.

Trav needs to also facilitate, as he averages 4.0 assists per game in the postseason. His assist numbers are down from the regular season (5.3 apg), but he must be that guy who can have the best court vision and find a streaking Dawson on a fast break for an alley-oop or a clutch pass.

It’s not hard to see why MSU depends on Trice so heavily. He’s the team’s leading scorer, he is usually the most dangerous shooter on the floor at all times and he has learned to create his own shots this season, adding to his devastating arsenal.

Back to the original point, Trice needs to be Trice. He needs to take that big shot. He needs to drive to the bucket and make a layup with contact. He needs to find the open man on the court. He needs to lead this team to the title game.

If he can find a way to play his best game of the tournament — yes, it’s a lot to ask but this is the most important game of the year — the Spartans will come out on top. Could we be looking at a future tourney MVP?

Next: Dawson's Energy