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Michigan State Basketball: 5 fixes that could end ugly three-game losing streak

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 02: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans during a game against the Indiana Hoosiers in the second half at Breslin Center on February 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 02: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans during a game against the Indiana Hoosiers in the second half at Breslin Center on February 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 02: Devonte Green #11 of the Indiana Hoosiers drives past Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Breslin Center on February 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 02: Devonte Green #11 of the Indiana Hoosiers drives past Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Breslin Center on February 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

5. Avoid the sluggish starts which lead to playing catch-up

This is much easier said than done because I can’t exactly remember a time when the Spartans didn’t get off to a slow start. It happened at Purdue, which led to a 23-point deficit, and then again versus Indiana at home followed by a rough start at Illinois.

Those slow starts are killers when it comes to gameplay because teams play much differently when trailing big as opposed to holding onto a lead. When the Spartans are playing from behind, they have a tendency to rush things which leads to turnovers, poor shot selection and overall sloppy play.

When the Spartans get out to a comfortable lead, they play to their own pace and make opponents match that. Michigan State rebounds much better, plays with confidence and sets up the offense instead of settling for ill-advised threes.

Getting out to quick starts is key. Heck, a quick start isn’t even necessary at this point, just make sure it’s not a slow, 10-point deficit by halftime start like the Purdue and Illinois games have been.

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