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Michigan State Basketball: 5 keys to victory over Michigan in season finale

By Connor Muldowney

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 24: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans and his teammates prepare to play the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 24, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 24: Matt McQuaid #20 of the Michigan State Spartans and his teammates prepare to play the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 24, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 21: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during a game against the Maryland Terrapins in the second half at Breslin Center on January 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 21: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts during a game against the Maryland Terrapins in the second half at Breslin Center on January 21, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

1. Tom Izzo’s adjustments on the fly

Tom Izzo was a magician the first time around. Some could argue that it was his best coaching performance in years as he made necessary halftime adjustments to get his team to come out with a hunger in the second half and even when the Spartans found themselves down by six after a slight Michigan run, no one panicked.

In the ensuing timeout, Izzo made the adjustments and Michigan State swiped the lead and never turned back. The Spartans went on to lead by 5-10 for the rest of the game and it seemed as if Michigan never had the answer.

Things got close in the final minute because of some Hail Mary 3-pointers by Jordan Poole that happened to find the bottom of the net, but overall, Michigan State controlled the pace in the second half and defense was the key.

If the Spartans can make the same adjustments on the fly like Izzo did in the first go-round, this game should favor the green and white. That’s been one of the biggest knocks on him in the past couple of years and those adjustments could mean playing guys like Gabe Brown and Thomas Kithier at the right moments.

Next. MSU basketball: 5 bold predictions for March. dark

If you’re Izzo, you have to repeat what you did in the first matchup. No, not the same exact game plan, but the same willingness to adjust on the fly.

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