Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from third win over Ohio State

Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from Ohio State win in Big Ten tourney

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 15: Xavier Tillman #23 and Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate after beating the Ohio State Buckeyes 77-70 during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

4 of 5

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 15: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans dribbles the ball while being guarded by C.J. Jackson #3 of the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

2. Cassius had most ‘casual’ 18 points you’ll see this year

If you watched the game, you probably would have thought Foster Loyer was the leading scorer and a guy like Matt McQuaid was second, but Cassius Winston is still Cassius Winston.

The Big Ten Player of the Year had arguably the most casual 18 points that you’ll see this season, shooting just seven times, making four of them and he was 1-for-2 from long range and 9-for-9 from the free throw line.

Heck, in the postgame interview with the Big Ten Network, he was shocked to see he scored 18 to lead all scorers.

There’s a reason he’s nicknamed “Casual Cassius” by his teammates and head coach and it’s not because he doesn’t care, but rather that he makes everything look so pedestrian. He scored 18 points in a game where he felt he didn’t truly get into a rhythm.

Let’s hope he has more ‘casual’ games down the stretch as Michigan State makes a Final Four run.

Home/Spartans Basketball