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Michigan State Basketball: 5 keys to beating No. 7 Michigan on the road

By Connor Muldowney

MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 12: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on February 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 12: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at the Kohl Center on February 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 09: Gabe Kalscheur #22 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers drives to the basket while defended by Kyle Ahrens #0 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Breslin Center on February 9, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 09: Gabe Kalscheur #22 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers drives to the basket while defended by Kyle Ahrens #0 of the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Breslin Center on February 9, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

2. Defend the perimeter

Michigan hasn’t had the best season offensively, but the Wolverines can make shots from the perimeter if they’re left open.

It’s not just Jordan Poole who provides a deep threat for Michigan, but guys like Isaiah Livers, Ignas Brazdeikis and even Jon Teske and Charles Matthews can hit the long-range jumpers. Heck, when given some space, Zavier Simpson can make the occasional 3-pointer.

Michigan State needs to call on its perimeter stoppers such as Matt McQuaid and Aaron Henry to lock Poole and Matthews down while Xavier Tillman and Kenny Goins have the quickness to defend inside out, which is something that Nick Ward may not have had.

The Spartans won’t be able to win this one without perimeter defense as the Wolverines like to play small ball and pass the ball around the arc and occasionally work it inside to Teske.

Lock down the perimeter and force the Wolverines to get tougher, contested shots inside the arc.

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