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Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from quarterfinal win over Wisconsin

By Connor Muldowney

Miles Bridges, Michigan State basketball (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Miles Bridges, Michigan State basketball (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 02: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after Wisconsin Badgers called a time out late in the second half during quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 2, 2018 in New York City.The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 63-60. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 02: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after Wisconsin Badgers called a time out late in the second half during quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at Madison Square Garden on March 2, 2018 in New York City.The Michigan State Spartans defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 63-60. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

2. A focused, under-control Miles Bridges is unstoppable

After the sluggish ending to the season, Miles Bridges shook off the rust on Friday afternoon, putting up 20 points for the first time since the Feb. 10 win over Purdue. Yes, it’s almost been a month since Bridges last scored 20, but the doubters were silent after watching him against Wisconsin.

Sure, Bridges could work on his explosiveness off the dribble, but he was more aggressive against the Badgers and he also made 7-of-15 shots and 3-of-4 from 3-point range. He added nine rebounds but his four turnovers were mostly unforced which cannot continue.

When Bridges plays under control and has that killer’s mentality, he’s awfully tough to stop. There was an instance late in the second half when he put the ball on the floor with Brad Davison guarding him, crossed him over and made an uncontested jumper from the free throw line.

That was just one of the great moves he utilized against Wisconsin. He was a mismatch all game and looked for his shot much more and didn’t settle much — outside of one or two instances. A focused, under-control Bridges is unstoppable.

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