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: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots over 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) /

2. Cassius Winston has evolved

Is there a better point guard in the country right now? You’d be hard-pressed to find one as Cassius Winston doesn’t need to score to have a major effect on the game — that’s more than most can say.

Most point guards are either pass-oriented or scoring-heavy, not both. Cassius can do one or the other and still change the way the game ends up. On Wednesday, he did a little scoring (12 points) to go along with his normal run-and-gun style where he gets up and down the floor with the offense faster than most.

The way Cassius runs the offense is exhausting for opponents and usually wears them down by the end of the first half and you saw that with Northwestern.

Winston finished with 12 assists and just two turnovers which is remarkable when you think about just how much he pushed the issues.

The junior point guard is evolving and it’s clear because his turnover numbers are dwindling each time out. He used to cough the ball up 5-6 times per game because his running caused him to force the issue, but he’s being so much smarter with the rock in his hands.

A smarter, more efficient Cassius is working wonders for this team.

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