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Michigan State Basketball: Report card for blowout road win over Penn State

By Connor Muldowney

COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 5: Head Coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans asks the referees for a foul against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half on January 5, 2019 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Michigan State defeated Ohio State 86-77. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - JANUARY 5: Head Coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans asks the referees for a foul against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half on January 5, 2019 at Value City Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Michigan State defeated Ohio State 86-77. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 29: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to defend during the second half of the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at the Breslin Center on December 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Northern Illinois 88-60. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 29: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to defend during the second half of the game against the Northern Illinois Huskies at the Breslin Center on December 29, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State defeated Northern Illinois 88-60. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Starters: B+

The offense from the starters wasn’t great as the turnover issue plagued the first five on the court, combining for 14, but Nick Ward had a solid game and Aaron Henry’s first start was a success.

Ward led the way for this unit, scoring 16 points with 11 rebounds, recording his second double-double of the year and his first since early-November. He was aggressive on the glass, on the defensive end and in the post, making 7-of-11 shots and adding two blocks as well. He’s continuing his All-Big Ten season as a changed player from his sophomore year.

Cassius Winston, though, didn’t have his best game. He’s one of the reasons this unit only had a B+ instead of an A/A-. He was 3-of-7 from the floor for 11 points and he dished six assist but turned it over a season-high seven times and had three fouls. He wasn’t quite out and running like he’s been known for, but the team still found a way to win — and win big.

Back to Henry — he had a tremendous first start. I was impressed with the freshman wing as he finished with seven points, two rebounds and two assists in 25 minutes. He didn’t look to force anything and played under control, for the most part, turning the ball over just once.

Matt McQuaid remained hot, finishing with 15 points on 4-of-6 shooting from 3-point range. His defense continues to be a difference-maker. He continues to impress as a leader and overall two-way player during his senior season.

Lastly, Kenny Goins continued to rebound like a top-tier post player, grabbing 10 rebounds while scoring seven points with three assists. He’s not in there for offense, but seven points is a good game for the senior forward.

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