Michigan State Basketball: 5 Reasons Spartans Will Beat Duke

Mar 27, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard/forward Branden Dawson (22) handles the ball against Oklahoma Sooners forward TaShawn Thomas (35) during the second half in the semifinals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

4. Branden Dawson Needs to Play With Energy

Branden Dawson reminds me a little of Durrell Summers from the 2009 and 2010 Final Four squads. No, Dawson doesn’t have the same exact skill set of Summers, such as his shooting ability, but the athleticism and energy levels are very similar.

Think back to the days of Summers and you will remember a guy who, when he played with energy, the Spartans relied on heavily. When Summers was on his game, Michigan State was on its game. Durrell was almost like a spark plug for the offense and it was hard to really figure out what got him going, but when he was going, you didn’t want to question it.

However, when he was lacking energy, the whole team suffered and seemed lifeless.

Dawson is the same way for the Spartans. The team feeds off his energy and will play well when he’s on his game and struggle when he’s non-existent. Dawson, like Summers did, sometimes becomes complacent and disappears in the offense. That can’t happen if MSU wishes to move forward.

The Spartans will need Branden to be on his game and play with a ton of energy. If he’s converting alley-oops, running the fast break and soaring for rebounds, you know Michigan State will be in good position to win the game. Just look at the game against Louisville. Dawson was a non-factor in the first half, but the second half was a different story and the Spartans came back from an eight-point halftime deficit to win.

Dawson, we are going to need your infectious energy on Saturday, buddy.

Next: Stay Away From Sloppy Play