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) /

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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 24: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans and head coach Tom Izzo react 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) /

. PG. Junior. CASSIUS WINSTON. A

You have to tip your cap to Cassius Winston after Sunday’s stellar performance. He silenced all the doubters who said he couldn’t score on Zavier Simpson with a 27-point performance, including 7-of-13 makes from the field. He was 0-for-3 from long range, but that goes to show just how much he’s developed if he can score 27 without a single three.

Moreover, he hit his free throws down the stretch, going 13-for-14 from the line and making sure the Wolverines’ late comeback effort fell short.

Winston has seemingly locked up that Big Ten Player of the Year award after beating the No. 7 team in the country on the road without two of his top scoring teammates and he did it in impressive fashion. He also had eight assists with just three turnovers.

There’s no doubt that Winston deserves an A for his performance against the Wolverines because he wasn’t worried about the pressure on his shoulder and just went out and balled. This kid is special and he’s going to go down as one of Tom Izzo’s best players ever.

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