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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: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Devonte Green #11 of the Indiana Hoosiers in the first 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 drives to the basket while defended by Devonte Green #11 of the Indiana Hoosiers in the first half at Breslin Center on February 2, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

1. Get Cassius Winston more than 2-3 minutes of rest

This is going off the extension of the bench as well. Cassius Winston needs more than 2-3 minutes of bench time every game. The junior point guard has been run into the ground by Tom Izzo because he doesn’t trust his backup, Foster Loyer. The young freshman needs to play at least 6-8 minutes per game and Winston’s minutes need to be cut accordingly.

No matter how little Izzo trusts Loyer at this point in his career, he has to realize that playing him will be better for the Spartans in the long run. He can’t do that much damage in 1-2 minute increments throughout a game, especially if the Spartans do have a lead.

Get Loyer in the game, or have Aaron Henry in to play the two while Matt McQuaid runs the point because Winston clearly looked off on Tuesday and it may have something to do with his usage.

From the get-go, Winston was turning the ball over at a high rate, finishing with nine on the night to nine assists. He did have 21 points, but he couldn’t seem to hang on to the ball and it’s because he’s being played right into the ground.

Next. MSU basketball: Game-by-game predictions for February. dark

It’s time to give Loyer more responsibility, whether Izzo likes it or not.

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