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Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from impressive Maryland win

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 21: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Ivan Bender #13 of the Maryland Terrapins in the first half at Breslin Center on January 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 21: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Ivan Bender #13 of the Maryland Terrapins in the first half at Breslin Center on January 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 21: Bruno Fernando #23 of the Maryland Terrapins battle for position against Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartansvin the second half at Breslin Center on January 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 21: Bruno Fernando #23 of the Maryland Terrapins battle for position against Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartansvin the second half at Breslin Center on January 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

2. The future without Nick Ward isn’t terrifying, after all

It’s never easy to think about what life will be like after a certain star player leaves the program, but after missing out on five-star big man Isaiah Stewart on Sunday night to Washington, Michigan State fans were forced to ponder the post-Nick Ward days.

The thought is almost unbearable for most, especially since Kenny Goins will be gone, too, leaving the post relatively bare, or at least on the surface it seems that way, but Michigan State got a glimpse into the future without Ward on Monday night as he was in foul trouble for most of the game, finishing with just 14 minutes played, scoring zero points — that’s right, he put up a goose egg.

Despite not getting any offensive output from Ward outside of a single offensive rebound, the Spartans won by 15 and had guys step up in the post.

Xavier Tillman had a decent game with 10 points and five blocks and Goins had 14 points and 12 rebounds. Thomas Kithier played some big minutes, scoring four points and grabbing two rebounds in just five minutes. Gabe Brown can stretch the floor and Marcus Bingham Jr. will gain some weight and strength next year to be a force down low with Tillman and Kithier.

We caught a glimpse into the post-Ward era, and it’s not going to be a disaster like everyone assumes. This team is going to be just fine.

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