Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from impressive Ohio State win

EAST LANSING, MI - FEBRUARY 17: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Kaleb Wesson #34 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half at Breslin Center on February 17, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 17: Thomas Kithier #15 of the Michigan State Spartans grabs a rebound in the second half during a game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Breslin Center on February 17, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

4. Thomas Kithier is exceeding freshman expectations

When Nick Ward was sidelined with a hand injury in the second half and Xavier Tillman was in foul trouble, Tom Izzo knew he had limited options. He could run a small lineup out with Kenny Goins playing the center spot against Kaleb Wesson or he could trust his young freshman big man to do the job.

Izzo chose the latter and Thomas Kithier didn’t disappoint. He looked like a kid out there in comparison to Wesson’s mammoth frame, but he held his own and even forced a couple of turnovers from the Ohio State big man.

If there was one matchup, outside of maybe Ethan Happ, that would have given Izzo more confidence to play Kithier, it had to have been against Wesson — and he did just fine.

With Ward out for the foreseeable future, it’s time Kithier sees the floor 15-20 minutes per game because he brings that spark from the bench and he’s not afraid of bigger guys. He’s further ahead than many expected at this point in the year.

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