Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from slim victory over Wisconsin

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 – FEBRUARY 20: Xavier Tilman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans during a game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Breslin Center on February 20, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

4. Xavier Tillman maturing into a solid role player

All aboard the Xavier Tillman bandwagon. The freshman big man doesn’t get the credit or attention of players like Miles Bridges or Jaren Jackson Jr., but he doesn’t shy away from the big stage.

On the road with the outright Big Ten title on the line, Tillman found himself playing some valuable minutes with Nick Ward in foul trouble and Jackson Jr. struggling. He played 12 minutes, tied for the most he’s played in a single Big Ten game, and defended better than Tom Izzo could have hoped.

Matching up with Ethan Happ on occasion, Tillman held his own and forced the Wisconsin star to force up some contested shots. Not only that, but he finished the game with three blocks which tied a career-high for him. He also scored five points and had a big and-one in the second half which gave Michigan State the spark it needed.

Tillman has played a combined 21 minutes over the past two games, averaging 5.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks, shooting 4-of-5 from the floor.

That may not seem like much, but it could be the start of Tillman’s rise to stardom at Michigan State. The Spartans will need him plenty in March.

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