Michigan State Basketball: Report card for lopsided win over Houston Baptist

Defense: B+

This side of the ball struggled early on and it was largely due to the lack of help-side defense. Too often, Houston Baptist players were driving to the hoop and not one Spartan big was stepping up to contest a layup which allowed them to remain in the game for the better part of the first half.

Often, Michigan State’s offense was doing its best to pull away, but the defenders looked to be planted in cement, allowing the Huskies to score almost at will. This changed in the final few minutes in the first half as the Spartans gave up 25 points through 13 minutes and then just eight in the final seven.

Looking at the numbers, the defense played relatively well as a whole, earning that B+ grade. It held Houston Baptist to just 28 percent shooting from the floor and 21 percent from 3-point range. The Spartans continue to show why they’re the best 2-point defending team in the nation.

Michigan State forced 14 turnovers, blocked an incredible 16 shots, recorded four steals and held a usually-potent offensive team to just 62 points. That’s what you call a strong showing.