Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Rutgers in Week 5

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 26: Andrew Platek #3 of the North Carolina Tar Heels and Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans go after a loose ball in the second half of the game during the PK80-Phil Knight Invitational presented by State Farm at the Moda Center on November 26, 2017 in Portland, Oregon. Michigan State won the game 63-45. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 3: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket against Glynn Watson Jr. #5 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Breslin Center on December 3, 2017 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

3. Cassius Winston remains red-hot from distance

What a season it’s been for sophomore point guard Cassius Winston. The second-year player from Detroit has seemingly turned his entire game around, not that it was bad before, and is becoming much more of a threat from 3-point range, and on the offensive side of the ball as a whole.

Over the past four games, in fact, Winston has made 12-of-19 shots from 3-point range which is good for 63 percent. He’s shooting 54 percent from deep on the year, but he’s been especially hot lately, even making a 3-pointer and-one on Sunday against Nebraska.

That trend will continue in this one as he will drill 4-of-6 shots from long range and finish with 18 points on the game to go along with eight assists. The sophomore has really figured things out and it’s nice to see the game slowing down for him.

As a freshman, he seemed to get rattled at times, especially following silly mistakes and turnovers. This year, he’s correcting those mistakes on the fly and making smarter decisions. Moreover, he’s worked on improving his shot, and driving ability, making him a serious threat to be an All-Big Ten performer.

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