Michigan State Basketball: Report card from win over Rutgers in Week 5

Starters: B

Yet another game with the same starting five for Michigan State. That type of consistency is something coaches dream of and a year ago, Tom Izzo would have killed for a repeat starting five.

However, these guys didn’t look focused on Tuesday. The Spartans played a sloppy game and Izzo found himself furious with two starters, in particular. Cassius Winston and Nick Ward played a combined 27 minutes while Tum Tum Nairn came off the bench and played 29 by himself.

The starters combined for 56 points, 19 rebounds, eight assists, eight blocks and six turnovers. They shot a combined 20-for-51 from the floor, 7-for-18 from 3-point range and made 9-of-13 free throws. It wasn’t the best shooting night for anyone not named Miles Bridges.

Let’s start with the two players Izzo wasn’t happy with, apparently. Winston played 16 minutes and finished with six points, three assists and three rebounds. He also made a couple of big 3-pointers in as many attempts. Ward went just 11 minutes and finished with three points, five rebounds and a steal. He was just 1-for-5 from the floor, though.

Bridges had the best game of the bunch. He finished with 21 points on 5-of-11 makes from deep and also had five rebounds and an assist. He looked much more comfortable with his shot.

Josh Langford struggled shooting the ball consistently. He was a measly 6-of-20 from the floor and forced far too many shots on drives where he should have kicked to an open shooter. He did have 15 points with three assists and three rebounds.

Lastly, Jaren Jackson Jr. was a monster on defense, finishing with eight blocks — a career-high. He had 11 points, three rebounds and an assist, but was in foul trouble. He should have had nice blocks, but one was whistled for a foul despite it being clean on replay. Still, a great night for the rising freshman.