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: Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans attempts a shot as Montez Mathis #23 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights defends 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) /

1. Michigan State is mature and composed

Not many teams can bounce back in the way Michigan State did. The Spartans lost a heartbreaker on the road against Louisville in overtime on Tuesday and had to hit the road again to take on a pesky Rutgers squad.

The Scarlet Knights were hosting the Spartans in front of their first home sellout crowd at the RAC since 1997, making the Big Ten opener that much more difficult.

Michigan State proved to be a veteran-laden team with plenty of composure and maturity, even after falling behind early in the second half.

The most impressive sequence to me was the Spartans building a 13-point lead in the second half and giving up a six-point possession thanks to a “flagrant” foul on Kyle Ahrens under the basket. Instead of crumbling as the lead dwindled to just seven and the crowd back into it, the Spartans built the lead back to double figures and never looked back.

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This team is composed and mature and that could be the difference between a middle-of-the-pack Big Ten finish and a title.

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