Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from rivalry loss to Michigan

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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 13: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a play during a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 13, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

1. Michigan State is lacking toughness

Tom Izzo’s teams over the years have been known for their toughness. This team has all the pieces to be one of the toughest with guys like Nick Ward, Miles Bridges, Josh Langford and Gavin Schilling and Xavier Tillman coming off the bench. Those guys ooze toughness, but for some reason, they aren’t showing it.

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When teams have been punching the Spartans in the mouth in recent weeks, they haven’t been able to adequately respond. Playing with a deficit is supposed to bring out the toughness in players, but yet Michigan State seems to creep back in its shell and hope for a miracle.

Toughness has to be a top priority for this team moving forward. No, I’m not just talking about physical toughness but also the mental aspect. The Spartans just don’t have that fire right now and it’s been missing ever since the Ohio State game. The way they’re responding to adversity is not a good sign for this team’s potential.

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The potential of the Spartans is through the roof, but if they can’t handle close wins and losses well, they won’t be able to reach it come March. Confidence and toughness seem to be lacking lately and that’s something the players need to find.

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