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Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from epic comeback vs. Northwestern

By Connor Muldowney

ROSEMONT, IL - FEBRUARY 17: Jaren Jackson Jr. (C) of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after making a basket against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half on February 17, 2018 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 65-60. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
ROSEMONT, IL - FEBRUARY 17: Jaren Jackson Jr. (C) of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after making a basket against the Northwestern Wildcats during the second half on February 17, 2018 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. Michigan State defeated Northwestern 65-60. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /
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ROSEMONT, IL – FEBRUARY 17: Dererk Pardon #5 of the Northwestern Wildcats Scottie Lindsey #20 of the Northwestern Wildcats and Nick Ward (C) of the Michigan State Spartans go for a loose ball during the first half on February 17, 2018 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
ROSEMONT, IL – FEBRUARY 17: Dererk Pardon #5 of the Northwestern Wildcats Scottie Lindsey #20 of the Northwestern Wildcats and Nick Ward (C) of the Michigan State Spartans go for a loose ball during the first half on February 17, 2018 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

3. Nick Ward quietly had a great game

All the talk about Michigan State following the second-half comeback was regarding Cassius Winston and the defense. The Spartans got some big shots from guys like Josh Langford, Miles Bridges and Matt McQuaid, but one player flew under the radar to have a strong game.

That one player was Nick Ward.

The sophomore power forward didn’t play as well as he would have hoped in a 30-point win over Minnesota just a few days before Saturday’s game, but he still ended up with 13 points and nine rebounds. The big stat that stood out was his six turnovers in the post. He needed to correct that in a hurry.

Ward did just that against the Wildcats, turning the ball over just one time and finishing with another double-double, his eighth of the year, with 15 points and 10 rebounds. His play has been overlooked by many, but it was his aggressiveness that led to nine big free throws throughout the first and second half.

Normally, he’s a below-average shooter from the line, but he made 9-of-11 shots from the charity stripe and helped keep Michigan State afloat. He also grabbed a number of important rebounds, one of which resulted in him tip-toeing the baseline, saving the ball and firing it to Winston for a big 3. His solid play should not go unnoticed.

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