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Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from comeback win at Iowa

By Connor Muldowney

IOWA CITY, IOWA- JANUARY 24: Guard Jordan Bohannon #3 of the Iowa Hawkeyes scrambles for a loose ball in the first half against center Thomas Kithier #15 of the Michigan State Spartans on January 24, 2019 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- JANUARY 24: Guard Jordan Bohannon #3 of the Iowa Hawkeyes scrambles for a loose ball in the first half against center Thomas Kithier #15 of the Michigan State Spartans on January 24, 2019 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 08: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans loses control of the ball next to Aaron Wheeler #1 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Breslin Center on January 08, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 08: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans loses control of the ball next to Aaron Wheeler #1 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Breslin Center on January 08, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

3. Cassius Winston’s Big Ten Player of the Year run is heating up

If you asked anyone before Thursday night who was leading the Big Ten Player of the Year race, they’d probably tell you it’s Cassius Winston, Michigan State’s crafty junior point guard.

Following the 82-67 win over the Hawkeyes in Iowa City, that answer has to remain the same. Heck, it’s been even more solidified by yet another spectacular game from Winston. He finished with a game-high 23 points to go along with seven assists and only three turnovers. He was just 6-of-14 from the field as his drive-and-scoop shots weren’t falling, but Winston hit 3-of-5 threes.

You can talk about Ignas Brazdeikas, Carsen Edwards, Ethan Happ or James Palmer Jr. all you want, but the truth is, no one has the type of effect on their team that Winston does.

Take Cassius out of Michigan State’s lineup and you may see a completely different team. He is the glue that holds everything together and the Spartans feed off his energy.

When Cassius is making shots, the team thrives and gains confidence.

The Big Ten Player of the Year right now is Winston and there’s really no debating it.

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