Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from dominant win over Wisconsin

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 16: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans meets with head coach Tom Izzo in the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers during the semifinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 16, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – MARCH 16: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans attempts a shot while being guarded by Charles Thomas IV #15 of the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half during the semifinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 16, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

2. Xavier Tillman’s effort is contagious

When you watch Michigan State, there are a couple of things that stand out. One is Cassius Winston’s calm, cool and collected demeanor at the point guard position, no matter the pressure-packed situation he’s facing and, two, Xavier Tillman’s energy and effort.

The first time Michigan State played Michigan this season in Ann Arbor, Tillman’s consistent effort and defensive prowess helped the Spartans pull of a so-called ‘upset’. Then against Michigan the second time they met in East Lansing, Tillman was the reason the game didn’t get out of hand early on, and the team fed off his energy.

The same happened against Wisconsin as his defense, aggressive rebounding and constant slips to the basket with easy looks inside the paint revved the Spartans’ engine.

There was a point in the second half where Wisconsin cut the Michigan State lead to six, but Tillman remained level-headed, grabbed some big rebounds and the team responded.

When you see a guy like Tillman stepping up and bringing that energy, the team usually follows.

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