Michigan State Basketball: Report card for gutsy road win over Michigan

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 24: Cassius Winston #5 and Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans react after a basket late in the game while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 24, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 77-70. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

4 of 6

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 24: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 24, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 77-70. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

A-. . F/C. Sophomore. XAVIER TILLMAN

There may not be a more improved player on the team from last season than sophomore big man Xavier Tillman. Don’t get me wrong, he showed flashes of being a force a season ago, but he didn’t play quite enough to make a difference as Jaren Jackson Jr. got all the minutes, and recognition, in the post as a freshman.

With Jackson Jr. gone and Nick Ward on the bench with an injury, it’s Tillman’s time to shine.

The Grand Rapids native has done just that over the past two games, recording a double-double against Rutgers and then going for 14 points and five rebounds versus Michigan. He’s averaging 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in Ward’s absence which is more than ideal.

Tillman had one of his stronger showings against the Wolverines despite being in foul trouble and he finished 6-for-8 from the floor including a few big dunks.

If Michigan State wants the Big Ten title without Ward, Tillman needs to improve that back-down game in the post.

Home/Spartans Basketball