Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from win over Stony Brook

4 of 5

EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 19: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans walks through the tunnel before the game against the Stony Brook Seawolves at Breslin Center on November 19, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

2. Turnovers continue to be an issue

Even against a team like Stony Brook, Michigan State had a tough time holding on to the ball. Sure, the Spartans finished with their season-low for turnovers, but they finished with more than Stony Brook had, which is unacceptable.

This is a two-way issue. One, Michigan State isn’t forcing enough turnovers and two, the Spartans are giving the ball up way too much. They need to start valuing each possession.

Granted, I’d say that blocks are as good as turnovers forced, and the Spartans had seven of those on Sunday night. They once again forced an opponent that was driving the lane to put up shots far before they were comfortable. That was evident in the final stat line, but the steals were down.

Michigan State will continue to get better defensively and the forced turnovers will happen, but before that does take place, the Spartans need to hold on to the ball. They’re averaging just over 17 per game, which is more than last year’s average.

Home/Spartans Basketball