Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from ugly win over Indiana

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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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) /

4. Cassius Winston is a second-half killer

Once again, Cassius Winston proved to be a clutch performer down the stretch. Even though he wasn’t making his shots — going 1-for-4 from the field — he had an impact on every facet of the game, including defense.

On Saturday night, he made the big plays with his passing ability. The biggest play of the game, which essentially sealed the victory, was a drive to the lane and kick-out to an open Matt McQuaid, with a minute left, who drained a 3-pointer and gave Michigan State a four-point lead.

Winston made that play possible with his vision and his knack for knowing where defenders are. He drew about three defenders and saw McQuaid and an opportunity to extend the lead. He unselfishly dished the ball out and earned his seventh assist.

This second-half killer mentality is what makes Winston so unique and we are seeing him grow into quite the player before our eyes.

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