Michigan State Basketball: Miles Bridges rises to occasion vs. Bucknell

Michigan State needed someone to step up against Bucknell and Miles Bridges was that guy. Just how well did he fare against the Bison?

The first-round matchup between Bucknell and Michigan State had the feel of an upset special through the first half as the Bison were holding strong, down just 44-40. However, the Spartans pulled away in the second half, building an 18-point lead in the final minutes before Bucknell made things interesting with some late 3-pointers in the final minute.

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The final score was not indicative of just how dominant Michigan State was in the second half. In fact, the Spartans were up by double-digits most of the final 20 minutes, but four straight 3-point bombs by Bucknell, including a buzzer-beater from about 30 feet, made the score look much closer.

In games like these, the Spartans need to turn to star players to take over. When Jaren Jackson Jr. is in foul trouble, Cassius Winston’s shots aren’t falling and Nick Ward was in foul trouble and missed some time with a scary injury, Miles Bridges must step up.

He did just that.

Bridges did a little bit of everything for the Spartans, leading the way with 29 points, grabbing nine big rebounds and dished four assists with just one turnover.

The sophomore was a walking highlight film.

When he’s playing the way he did on Friday, making 12-of-22 shots, the Spartans will be tough to beat. He also took it to the rim quite a bit as 15 of his 22 shots were from inside the arc. That’s something Spartan fans have been desiring.

Could we be seeing a meaner Miles? The Spartans sure hope so. This could be a major confidence-building game for the sophomore.

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Another player who deserves a shoutout is Josh Langford who bounced back for 22 points on 7-of-10 shooting. If these two are on their game, the Spartans will go far.