Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from crucial road win over Rutgers

PISCATAWAY, NJ - NOVEMBER 30: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts to a call during the second half of a college basketball game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at the Rutgers Athletic Center on November 30, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Michigan State defeated Rutgers 78-67. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images,) /

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PISCATAWAY, NJ – NOVEMBER 30: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans attempts a shot as Caleb McConnell #22 and Eugene Omoruyi #5 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defend during the first half of a college basketball game at the Rutgers Athletic Center on November 30, 2018 in Piscataway, New Jersey. Michigan State defeated Rutgers 78-67. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images,) /

3. Nick Ward got redemption in Piscataway

A year ago, Piscataway is where it all went south. Nick Ward and Tom Izzo got into it a bit on the bench as the head coach and his big man didn’t quite see eye-to-eye when it came to his performance against the Scarlet Knights on the road — especially on the defensive end.

Ward struggled mightily, scoring three points with just five rebounds in 11 minutes and his benching led to a whirlwind of emotions from his mother and himself.

Fast forward a year and the head coach and his big man have mended their relationship and are closer than ever. Ward got a chance to redeem himself against the Scarlet Knights on Friday night and he delivered with one of the best games of his junior season.

In fact, Ward played 24 minutes, scoring 20 points with five rebounds and, if he made his free throws, he would have finished with more points than minutes played. He had a great redemption game and that had to have made him feel good about his progress.

Ward has grown up, and his maturity was on display Friday in Piscataway. What a difference a year makes.

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