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

TULSA, OK - MARCH 19: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans attempts a free throw against the Kansas Jayhawks during the second round of the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at BOK Center on March 19, 2017 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images) /

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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 09: Lourawls Nairn Jr. #11 of the Michigan State Spartans dribbles the ball against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Verizon Center on March 9, 2017 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

3. Michigan State is phenomenal without many turnovers

A clean Michigan State offense has to be scary for opponents. The Spartans turned the ball over just eight times on Friday night against Connecticut. That is about half the amount of turnovers the Spartans had in each of their first four games.

Cassius Winston and Tum Tum Nairn each protected the ball well and six of the eight turnovers came from Jaren Jackson Jr. and Nick Ward. That means the only issue on Friday night was not being able to keep the ball up in the post. One thing big men are taught from a young age is to not put the ball on the ground when you don’t have to.

Winston and Nairn combined for no turnovers and had six assists. That’s the type of effective offensive play the Spartans have needed through the first five games and if they can keep that clean play going, they will be tough to beat.

The true test will come against an athletic North Carolina team on Sunday which likes to cause turnovers. Can the Spartans continue this effective play against the Tar Heels?

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