Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from monster win over Michigan

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

1. Cassius Winston finally overcame Zavier Simpson

In two games last season against the Wolverines, Cassius Winston struggled. It may have seemed like a couple of outliers considering the then-sophomore point guard was having a strong season, but many believed it had to do with the fact he was finally facing a top-tier defender.

That much was true as Zavier Simpson did have his number and that mental roadblock plagued him two times last season as he probably heard everyone talk about how he ‘couldn’t score on Zavier’.

Cassius took all that talk to heart and improved tenfold this offseason and there’s a good chance he’ll end his junior season with the Big Ten Player of the Year award. He improved in just about every major facet of his game even if some of the numbers don’t prove that. He’s been a better passer, scorer and, most importantly, leader.

The doubters were waiting in the wings on Sunday afternoon to call Winston ‘overrated’ after another subpar performance against Simpson and Michigan to lose four straight against the Wolverines, but he stepped up and put the team on his back.

Winston utilized ball screens and squeezed through tight spaces, showcasing his craftiness, in order to lead all scorers with 27 points to go along with eight assists.

Next. MSU basketball: Game-by-game predictions for February. dark

That mental roadblock is now gone and he has proven he can score on Simpson, after all. That’s bad news for the rest of the Big Ten as he continues to gain confidence.

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