Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from win over DePaul in PK80

TULSA, OK - MARCH 19: Carlton Bragg Jr. #15 of the Kansas Jayhawks is defended by Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 19, 2017 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 7: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots a three pointer in the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini on January 7, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

3. When Matt McQuaid catches fire, watch out

Matt McQuaid looked to be nursing a knee injury on Thursday night. Every time he went up for a shot, he came down and looked to hobble. He left the game multiple times with the injury, but when he was on the floor, he continued to torch the Blue Demons from long-range.

It’s been a quiet season for the junior sharpshooter from Texas. Everyone knows he has the potential to be a lights-out shooter from deep and we’ve all kind of been waiting for him to get on track and contribute to this year’s team.

After three mediocre games, which resulted in 5-for-17 shooting from the floor and 1-for-10 from deep, McQuaid looked to lack some confidence. Things changed drastically against DePaul.

When McQuaid saw that first 3-pointer drop, it was all over for the Blue Demons. His confidence grew and he looked like the player everyone was expecting in his freshman and sophomore years. He remained hot and hit 6-of-8 threes to finish with a game-high 20 points.

If McQuaid can continue to remain hot, the Spartans will be a tough out.

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