Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from comeback win vs. Penn State

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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball during a game against the Penn State Nittany Lions in the second half at Breslin Center on January 31, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

2. When Cassius Winston is on, no one can beat MSU

Cassius Winston is the straw that stirs the drink for the Spartans’ offense and when he’s playing well, there’s not a team in college basketball that can beat Michigan State. That may sound like an exaggeration, but he’s that crucial to this team’s success.

In fact, in the Spartans’ three losses this year, his numbers have dropped from his season average. Against Duke, Ohio State and Michigan, Winston averaged 8.7 points, 6.3 assists and 3.3 turnovers per game — all worse than his season averages. He also shot just 36 percent from the floor (8-for-22) and 30 percent from 3-point range (3-for-10).

When Winston plays well and doesn’t turn the ball over much while also dishing out 10 assists, watch out. Michigan State looks like a completely different team when he’s playing like an All-Big Ten point guard. He passes teammates open — essentially when your pass is so effective that it frees a teammate from a defender — and even looks for his own shot.

Against Penn State, he played exceptionally, especially in the second half, finishing with 15 points and 10 assists with only three turnovers. He was 5-for-7 from the field and continues to improve his shot.

If Winston is on his game, college basketball is in trouble.

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