Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions vs. Syracuse in round two

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Miles Bridges #22 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the second half against the Bucknell Bison in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – MARCH 16: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the first half against the Bucknell Bison in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2018 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

3. Cassius Winston’s 3-pointers put the game away

Scoring 11 points doesn’t seem all that bad when you think about Cassius Winston’s season average being 12, but the sophomore point guard didn’t quite have his shot working against Bucknell.

Winston made just 3-of-8 shots and 1-of-5 from beyond the arc, but he’s going to bounce back in a big way against he Orange, draining 4-of-7 threes on his way to a 15-point, 10-assist game.

It’ll be his second straight double-double and his four threes will give the Spartans a comfortable lead in the second half before the Orange make a last-ditch comeback effort.

Michigan State needs that production that Winston gives it with the 3-point daggers. He has been effective all season long from 3-point land, making over 50 percent, and his accuracy will return in the round of 32 against the Orange.

Winston has the first-game jitters out of the way and he’s ready to be his old self.

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