Michigan State Basketball: 5 reasons Spartans will beat Michigan for title

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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) /

3. Cassius Winston’s newfound confidence in the rivalry

Cassius Winston has never lacked confidence, but when it came to facing his rival, Michigan and Zavier Simpson, he struggled. He had three consecutive poor performances against the Wolverines which led to three losses, but he bounced back and got his mojo back with a 77-70 win in which he finished with 27 points and eight assists.

The Detroit-native had one of the best games of his young career and he played confidently throughout despite people saying he didn’t have it in him.

The doubt surrounding Winston prior to the earlier matchup with Michigan in Ann Arbor was borderline unreal as he was the top Big Ten Player of the Year candidate but he silenced it all with his performance and proved that he’s not, in fact, afraid to go up against Simpson.

That newfound swagger in the rivalry will help him yet again as he knows what he can do when he plays his game against Michigan and it equals a herculean effort.

If Winston duplicates that, Michigan State will be in good hands.

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