Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from comfortable FGCU win

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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 11: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball while defended by Troy Baxter Jr #1 of the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in the first half at Breslin Center on November 11, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

1. Offense is clicking right now

Contrary to the defensive side of the ball, the offense is really coming into its own. The Spartans finished with over 85 points for the second straight game, topping 100 versus Florida Gulf Coast, making 41 field goals and shooting over 50 percent.

While the 41 field goals and shooting percentage were both impressive, it was the passing ability that really stole the show. The Spartans finished with 33 assists on 41 makes, which is almost unheard of. That ability to find the open man has benefitted this team in the pass and it’s something Tom Izzo-coached teams take pride in.

Josh Langford was more aggressive with the ball, making 7-of-15 shots and driving to the basket more when his deep shot wasn’t falling. Matt McQuaid also looked better on the offensive end, showing more of an athletic ability, putting the ball on the ground. Cassius Winston added 14 points and eight assists and Nick Ward looked like a completely different player than the one who struggled against Kansas, dropping a career-high 25 points.

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Xavier Tillman added eight off the bench, Aaron Henry nine and Marcus Bingham Jr. six. Everyone seemed to get involved as Foster Loyer added two points, Kyle Ahrens had four and Gabe Brown scored his first Spartan bucket. Also, the Spartans had 20 offensive rebounds. An all-around great offensive showing from the green and white.

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