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Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from ugly win over Indiana

By Connor Muldowney

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)
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) /
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Michigan State stepped up and took care of Indiana on Saturday night, but not before the Spartans had to fight to keep a slim lead.

Winning on the road in the Big Ten isn’t easy — just ask Michigan State. The Spartans needed the full 40 minutes to put the Indiana Hoosiers away in Assembly Hall, 63-60.

The game even came down to one last half-court heave which caromed off the back of the rim, nearing falling from about 50 feet to send the game to overtime.

Tom Izzo and the Spartans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that the Big Ten title is still within arm’s reach, but they must take care of business on the road again Tuesday versus Iowa.

What’d we learn from the three-point victory over the Hoosiers on Saturday?

5. This type of game can help MSU in March

Believe it or not, this is the type of game that could help Michigan State in March.

How so? Just look at the combination of factors acting against the Spartans. One, Michigan State was out-rebounded severely. Two, the Spartans couldn’t hit their free throws. And three, the environment was extremely hostile.

All three of those things can happen in any given matchup in March. The Spartans could run into a roadblock such as a poor shooting night or just a turnover-ridden game, but if they can find a way to win, that’s all that matters. Saturday’s game against Indiana had a true ‘survive and advance’ feel to it.

While the toughness with this team was lacking, it was good to see the Spartans win in an environment that teams like Purdue and Duke had trouble with.

These close wins in tough environments are learning lessons for young teams and can help them mature quickly. This is something they will put in their pocket and remember during the NCAA Tournament.

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