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Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from title-clinching Illinois win

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 20: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Te'Jon Lucas #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half at the Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 20: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Te'Jon Lucas #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half at the Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Te’Jon Lucas #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half at the Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Te’Jon Lucas #3 of the Illinois Fighting Illini in the first half at the Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

4. Cassius Winston got his revenge

In case you don’t recall what happened the first time these two teams met, Illinois was able to force 25 Michigan State turnovers, including a game-high eight by Cassius Winston. Not only did he cough the ball up eight times, his season-high, but he scored just five points and fouled out in arguably the most frustrating performance of his young career.

Winston didn’t forget that on Tuesday night. Although he wasn’t in the starting lineup for the first time this season, because he offered his spot to Tum Tum Nairn on Senior Night, he had a nice rebound performance against the Illini despite smothering defense again.

Illinois played a decent game defensively, making sure no passes came easy, but Winston seemed much more comfortable and prepared this time around. He finished with 12 points and made another couple of 3-pointers, but he didn’t turn the ball over once.

For the sophomore point guard, a sense of pride resonates when he finishes with two or less turnovers, as it should, and he’s been much better in that regard since the last Illinois matchup. It’s safe to say he got his revenge.

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