Michigan State Basketball: Report card for comeback win vs. No. 19 Iowa

A year ago, do we even see this type of positive response from Nick Ward after scoring zero points in arguably the worst game of his career just three days earlier? Absolutely not.

Not only has Ward’s game changed, but so has his demeanor. His off-court distractions seem to have disappeared thanks to improved health to his mother which was weighing on his mind and affecting his emotional state last season and he looks like a completely different player.

Iowa couldn’t slow him down as he had 10 points and seven rebounds before anyone could take a breath. He didn’t look like himself early on despite the output, though, as he was missing some bunnies and struggling on defense, but he quickly turned things around with a strong second half.

In fact, he finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds, even adding some mid-range jumpers to his arsenal and making them look like they’ve always been there.

Ward showcased a short-term memory and put that horrid zero-point outing behind him emphatically, having one of his best games of the year.