Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from rivalry loss to Michigan

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 13: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Charles Matthews #1 of the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 13: Jaren Jackson Jr. #2 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Isaiah Livers #4 of the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

3. Jaren Jackson Jr. grew up big time

I’ve been one of the harshest critics of Jaren Jackson Jr. through his first few months of collegiate action, solely because I think he can be one of the most dominant players in the nation if he shows a consistent effort and tenacity each time out. He played with major fire against the Wolverines, and it showed.

After the game, it was clear he didn’t take the loss lightly and wasn’t ready to call it “just another game” which shows that he’s growing up before our eyes. He knew what was on the line and he felt as if it was a must-win and he played accordingly.

There weren’t many bright spots in Saturday’s loss for the Spartans, but the play of Jackson Jr. was easily one of, if not the, brightest.

Jackson Jr. was more aggressive around the rim and didn’t just stand on the perimeter for 25-30 minutes. He drew a ton of fouls and took advantage of mismatches all game long. He was 10-for-13 from the foul line and finished with 19 points, including a couple of monster dunks. He added six blocks and three rebounds as well.

This was the game he needed to kick things into high-gear.

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