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Michigan State Basketball: 3 things we learned from Wisconsin win

By Connor Muldowney

Feb 26, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Matt McQuaid (20) defends Wisconsin Badgers guard Bronson Koenig (24) during the first half of a game at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Matt McQuaid (20) defends Wisconsin Badgers guard Bronson Koenig (24) during the first half of a game at the Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State basketball picked up a big victory over Wisconsin on Sunday evening and here’s what we learned.

The regular season is in its final week and we are still learning things about Michigan State basketball. After an emotional win on Sunday evening over the No. 16 Wisconsin Badgers, Michigan State seemed to have punched its ticket to the NCAA Tournament — or close to it.

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We learned more about the Spartans from the big win and it looks like this team is trending in the right direction.

Eron Harris was even brought out in the final seconds of the 10-point victory to kiss the court on Senior Day, sending him off with an emotional goodbye — a well-deserved one.

What did we learn from the Spartans’ big victory?

1. Matt McQuaid could be a major X-factor

Who would have thought that Matt McQuaid would have been one of the stars on Senior Day? The sophomore guard had one of his best games as a Spartan, looking like a completely different player, scoring 15 points and driving to the rack on multiple occasions. He showed no fear and put the ball on the floor, getting to the basket early and often, finishing with 15 points. If he can do more of that down the stretch, Michigan State will be difficult to beat.

2. Cassius Winston doesn’t need to score to be effective

Cassius Winston had one of the worst offensive games of his freshman season from a shooting standpoint, making just 2-of-11 shots from the floor, but he was still extremely close to recording a triple-double, believe it or not. He finished with 10 points thanks to solid free throw shooting as well as eight assists and seven rebounds. When he came into the game, he ignited the Spartans’ offense and they went on a major run. He doesn’t have to score to have an impact.

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3. This team is gelling at the right time

What time of year is it, again? Oh yeah, it’s March. Every year around this time, Michigan State seems to play its best basketball and this year is no exception. The Spartans have won four of five games and picked up their biggest victory of the season over No. 16 Wisconsin. Not only that, but the four freshmen are playing their best basketball of the season and that means they are maturing before our very eyes. This Michigan State team is dangerous right now.

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