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Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from title-clinching win over Michigan

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - MARCH 09: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans huddles with his team during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on March 9, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - MARCH 09: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans huddles with his team during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on March 9, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – MARCH 09: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after making a basket during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on March 9, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – MARCH 09: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after making a basket during the second half against the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on March 9, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

4. Xavier Tillman is becoming a star before our eyes

We are watching a young player blossom into a star before our very eyes. Xavier Tillman had one of the best games of his Michigan State career on Saturday and it came at the perfect time, because the team had no energy and looked flat in the first half, but he was there to pick everyone up.

In fact, Michigan could have made the scoreboard much more lopsided if it wasn’t for Tillman’s defense and energy on both sides of the ball. He only had eight points in the first half, but they were big but he really locked down on defense, blocking a few would-be Zavier Simpson layups.

Tillman finished the game with 17 points, six rebounds, five blocks, two steals and a nifty assist to Kyle Ahrens in the second half to pull the Spartans within three.

If you were to pick one underclassman on this team that would be the next star and All-Big Ten or Player of the Year candidate, who would it be? I’d be shocked if 90 percent of the answers weren’t Tillman.

There’s a chance Nick Ward could be back next season, but if he’s not, Tillman is more than ready to carry the load down low. If he is, well, watch out because this team will be loaded.

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