Michigan State basketball: 5 takeaways from blowout win vs. Northwestern

Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from blowout win over Northwestern

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 02: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Vic Law #4 of the Northwestern Wildcats in the first half at Breslin Center on January 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 02: Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball while defended by Barret Benson #25 of the Northwestern Wildcats in the first half at Breslin Center on January 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

3. Nick Ward may be most improved player in country

Entering his name into the 2018 NBA Draft didn’t seem like the greatest idea at the time as Nick Ward was coming off a slightly disappointing personal season.

No, his numbers weren’t awful, but compared to his freshman season, he took a minor step back and that’s something he was obviously looking to avoid. Moreover, his defense was not a bright spot and he didn’t have a jump shot to add to his arsenal.

Well, he still doesn’t have a jumper, though he does attempt more mid-range shots, but he’s improved his defense and post game tenfold. He scored 21 points in the first half against the Wildcats, making 9-of-16 shots. It was his most missed shots in quite some time, but that’s what happens when you’re taking baby-hooks and getting double-teamed constantly.

Ward might be the most improved player in the Big Ten, if not the country, this season and his numbers are proof of that. He’s averaging a career-high 16.4 points to go along with 6.4 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and a sparkling 66 percent field goal rate.

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