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Michigan State Basketball: Position-by-position breakdown vs. Michigan

By Nate Rhoades

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 4: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Breslin Center on January 4, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 4: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Breslin Center on January 4, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his three-point basket in the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Breslin Center on February 20, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his three-point basket in the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Breslin Center on February 20, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Shooting Guard

Matt McQuaid (8.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists)

Matt McQuaid is one of the Spartans’ top shooters and he backs his game up by his defense. His game mostly involves coming around a screen for a three or a in-and-out three, however, if the shot is not there he has no problem with taking the ball to the hole or pulling up for the mid-range jumper. He needs to see the ball hit the bottom of the net or else the Spartans will struggle. He needs to step of his shooting game against the Wolverines if MSU expects to win.

Jordan Poole (13.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.0 assists)

Jordan Poole is a big-time player. He is a huge reason why Michigan is ranked where they are and he’ll continue to strive against MSU — he’s the energy for this team. He has no problem dribbling through defenders or crossing someone over to hit a dagger three.

The star sophomore will draw a tough matchup against McQuaid who will need to be all over him in order to slow Poole down. He’s a talented player and the Spartans cannot let Poole get open looks if they want to win.

Slight Advantage: Poole

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