Michigan State basketball: Report card for big road win over Penn State

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

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 – JANUARY 02: Dererk Pardon #5 of the Northwestern Wildcats drives to the basket and draws a foul from Kyle Ahrens #0 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Breslin Center on January 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Defense: A-

A second straight game with less than 60 points allowed? Not so bad for a team missing arguably its top defender on the perimeter in Josh Langford.

Granted, Penn State hasn’t been known to score much, but the Spartans are just the fifth team to hold the Nittany Lions to under 60 points on the year. Plus, Penn State didn’t get many open shots, shooting just 37 percent from the floor and 22 percent from long range. On top of that, the fact that Penn State had just 10 free throws goes to show the Spartans defended well without fouling.

Like any game, there were some open 3-pointers surrendered which made Tom Izzo furious, but luckily for the green and white, Penn State couldn’t hit the broad side of a barn.

Michigan State’s defense could always use some improvement, but the Spartans need to show they can keep a team like Nebraska, Maryland or Iowa under 60 points and they’ll have a chance to prove that over the next three games.

Matt McQuaid continues to impress on this end of the floor and Nick Ward and Xavier Tillman were solid in the post, combining for five blocks. Cassius Winston led the way with four steals.

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