Michigan State basketball: 3 improvements to make ahead of Sweet 16

DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 23: Cassius Winston #5, Foster Loyer #3, Xavier Tillman #23 and Nick Ward #44 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate from the bench against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the second half in the second round game of the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Wells Fargo Arena on March 23, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

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Michigan State basketball got out of the first weekend for the first time in three years, but can the Spartans advance past the second?

Michigan State capped off a good weekend with a win over their Big Ten foe Minnesota on Saturday to get its to the Sweet 16 for the first time in three years.

There were some things that MSU did in both first and second round games that if it continues to do these things, then they can bet they will not be in the tournament much longer.

What are some improvements MSU can make in order to get itself back to the Final Four?

3. Taking, making better shots from 3-point range

Michigan State ranked No. 22 nationally in 3-point percentage for the regular season this year at a respectable 38.3 percent. Throughout the first games of the tournament this year they have dropped that rate to 32.8 percent, though. That is a huge drop considering they shoot the three-ball quite often.

The Spartans need to start hitting more of those shots in general. If they cannot seem to find open looks, they need to regroup and run things into the post and get Nick Ward and Xavier Tillman the ball. Once this happens, it will spread the floor and get the shooters better open looks to where they can bury the shot.

If Michigan State wants to see its unbelievable season continue, it needs to start getting those shots from deep to fall again to put pressure on their opponent.

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