Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from comeback vs. Northwestern

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

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: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a call during the first half on February 17, 2018 at Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) /

2. Second-half defense is good enough to win championships

Iowa flashbacks had to be in the minds of each Spartan player as they headed into the locker room down by 22 after giving up 49 points to an average Northwestern offense. Yes, 49 first-half points to a team that averages about 70 and was without arguably its best player in Bryant McIntosh.

Whatever halftime speech Tom Izzo delivered worked almost instantly. Michigan State came out hungrier and showed more life in the second half.

In “this isn’t something you see every day” fashion, Michigan State held Northwestern to a measly 11 second-half points and, at one point, the Wildcats were just 1-of-17 from the field out of the locker room. The Wildcats were gassed, and it was because of ramped up defensive pressure by the Spartans.

Sure, Northwestern came back down to earth with its shooting, but even FOX Sports broadcaster Steve Lavin said this was the best defense he had seen any team play all year, referring to Michigan State in the final 20 minutes.

Let’s face it, if Michigan State can defend the way it did in the second half against the Wildcats for the remainder of the year, including the Big Ten and NCAA tournaments, no one will beat this team.

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