Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from big win over Texas

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: Head coach Tom Izzo (R) of the Michigan State Spartans and his team pose after winning the championship game of the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament against the Texas Longhorns at the Orleans Arena on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Michigan State defeated Texas 78-68. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 23: Courtney Ramey #3 of the Texas Longhorns drives against Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans during the championship game of the 2018 Continental Tire Las Vegas Invitational basketball tournament at the Orleans Arena on November 23, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

3. Cassius Winston looks like an All-American

The MVP of the Las Vegas Invitational should have been no surprise to anyone who watched each of the four games. Coby White of North Carolina was a magician and Kerwin Roach II of Texas had a strong tourney, but it was clear that Cassius Winston was the difference between wins and losses for the Spartans.

Though Michigan State had two comfortable wins, those wouldn’t have been possible without the stellar play of Winston who led the Spartans back against Texas.

It was Winston’s clutch 3-pointers and smooth passes that led the Spartans back from the brink. He finished with 20 points — the second straight game of such an output — with 10 assists and four rebounds, but the only knock on him was his seven turnovers.

Winston was a preseason All-Big Ten candidate, but through six games, it looks like he could contend for All-America status.

On the season, Winston is averaging 18 points, 7.5 assists and he’s shooting 46 percent from the floor and 45 percent from 3-point range. That’s All-American caliber.

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