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Michigan State Basketball: Report card for gritty win over Nebraska

By Connor Muldowney

LINCOLN, NE - JANUARY 17: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans watches action during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena on January 17, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE - JANUARY 17: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans watches action during the game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena on January 17, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /
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LINCOLN, NE – JANUARY 17: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans coaches against head coach Tim Miles of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena on January 17, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images)
LINCOLN, NE – JANUARY 17: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans coaches against head coach Tim Miles of the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Pinnacle Bank Arena on January 17, 2019 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

Rebounding: B

This was a relatively even battle between the teams. At no point did it seem like Michigan State was overly flustered on the glass, but it did surrender 16 offensive rebounds to the Cornhuskers.

On the other end, Michigan State had just 10 offensive boards but the Cornhuskers missed so many shots that the Spartans also had 32 defensive rebounds. Michigan State won the battle on the glass 42-38 and continued to out-duel teams in that regard.

While Nebraska had a plus-turnover margin, the Spartans came into the game with a positive rebounding margin and both proved to be true once again.

To no one’s surprise, Kenny Goins led the way once again with 11, Nick Ward had 10, Xavier Tillman added six along with Matt McQuaid and Gabe Brown had four.

Along with Thomas Kithier, the bench finished with 11 boards.

As long as the Spartans can cut down opponents’ offensive rebounding, they’ll be in good shape in this category moving forward. Still, a slightly above average performance for the green and white.

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