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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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MADISON, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 12: Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans attempts a shot while being guarded by Nate Reuvers #35 of the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half at the Kohl Center on February 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN – FEBRUARY 12: Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans attempts a shot while being guarded by Nate Reuvers #35 of the Wisconsin Badgers in the second half at the Kohl Center on February 12, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Power Foward

Kenny Goins (7.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists)

We all know Kenny Goins started his career as a walk-on and has been able to move himself up to get a scholarship for the team. He is always underrated and will need to be watched throughout this game.

Goins is not a great defender but he will put his hands up and put his body into you to make it a tougher shot. He has grown his game from being down low and mid range to now he has no problem stepping out and take a 3-pointer — he’s effective with that shot as well. He will need to have a big game both in points and on the boards if this MSU team is going to win.

Ignas Brazdeikis (14.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 0.9 assists)

Ignas Brazdeikis started the season off red-hot. He was all over headlines and making great plays. Since getting into conference play he has slowed down a bit, though. Don’t get me wrong, he is still a scorer and will take those shots, get those dunks and score those points but he has just been quieter the past few weeks.

The freshman forward will have a tough time against the experience of Goins. He will be able to stop Goins from scoring a ton but will he be able to score against the fifth-year senior? Goins is not the best defender but there is always something that happens in the mind when you go up against a senior.

Advantage: Goins

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