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Michigan State Basketball: 3 things we learned from Nebraska win

By Connor Muldowney

Jan 29, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talks to Michigan State Spartans forward Nick Ward (44) during the second half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talks to Michigan State Spartans forward Nick Ward (44) during the second half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State basketball took down a pesky Nebraska team on Thursday night and here’s what we learned about the Spartans.

Hitting the road to take on a pesky Nebraska team in Lincoln, Michigan State was sure that they’d get the Cornhuskers’ best shot. They were getting just that early on, but the Spartans grew the lead in the second half and it was all over.

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Michigan State took an eight-point lead in the first half after finding a rhythm and didn’t look back. Miles Bridges had yet another solid game, scoring 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting and grabbing six rebounds. Nick Ward added 10 points and four rebounds even though he had the flue.

Two key players were Kenny Goins and Alvin Ellis III. The two unsung heroes finished with a combined 21 points on 9-of-10 shooting with five total rebounds. This team seems to be coming together at the right time.

Here’s what we learned from the Spartans 72-61 victory over Nebraska.

1. Eron Harris will be the difference this season

Eron Harris was basically a non-factor again for the Spartans. He was 1-for-5 from the field with an and-one to contribute to his only three points. He did have four assists, which is more than his usual output, but he continues to disappear on offense. If Michigan State is going to make a run this March, he’s going to have to find his shot and provide the Spartans with another scoring threat.

2. Young team maturing before our eyes

Michigan State hadn’t won a road game since defeating Minnesota in overtime to start Big Ten play back in December. Yes, the Spartans went an entire month-plus without winning a true road contest, but they put the recent struggles behind them and took down Nebraska. Beating the Cornhuskers has been a tough task for this team in years past and the young guys rose to the occasion and played well from start to finish. This team is maturing before our eyes.

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3. Bench can lead the way

While the starters, such as Kenny Goins, Josh Langford and Miles Bridges, all played well, Michigan State has an impressive group of guys coming off the bench. Ellis III finished with 11 points, Cassius Winston scored 10 and Nick Ward, although usually in the lineup (but was sick), finished with 10 as well. The bench can lead the way if it continues to play this way. Matt McQuaid was quiet, though.

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