Michigan State Basketball: Report card for Nebraska win in Week 4

Michigan State basketball had no trouble with Nebraska on Sunday night and here’s how the Spartans graded in the 29-point win.

Michigan State stands 1-0 in Big Ten play heading into its second conference matchup of the season on Tuesday night against Rutgers. Two conference games before the month of January? With the way the league has changed and moved the Big Ten Tournament up, it’s necessary.

Nebraska was no match for the Spartans on Sunday night as Michigan State dominated throughout and came away with a 29-point win. Tom Izzo still wasn’t pleased, and that’s because this team has so much potential. Still, the Spartans played a strong overall game.

Which area of the Spartans’ game graded the highest on Sunday night?

Bench: B-

The bench was rather quiet in this one. In fact, they combined for just 13 of the Spartans’ 86 points and added 11 rebounds, eight assists and four blocks. There just wasn’t much going on from the bench, even though the defensive effort was relatively strong. Four players were on the floor for more than 10 minutes: Xavier Tillman, Tum Tum Nairn, Matt McQuaid and Gavin Schilling.

Nairn had the most minutes (22) and finished with five points, five assists and a block. He also hit a 3-pointer (not a typo) and had a very strong game.

Tillman had four points, four rebounds and a block and continues to gain confidence. He played just 10 minutes, but had a positive impact when he was on the floor. As for Schilling, he played 12 minutes, had a rebound and a block, and played strong defensively, but didn’t score.

Lastly, McQuaid couldn’t get his shot to fall, going 0-for-4 from 3-point range and finishing scoreless. He did have an assist and he got some time in at point guard, presumably to make sure the Spartans have a third ball-handler in case of injuries or foul trouble.

Ben Carter, Kenny Goins and Conner George played under 10 minutes each and combined for four points, four rebounds, a block and an assist.