Michigan State Basketball: 5 keys to victory over LSU in Sweet 16

DES MOINES, IOWA - MARCH 21: Aaron Henry #11, Matt McQuaid #20, Cassius Winston #5, Xavier Tillman #23, and Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans stand on the court during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament against the Bradley Braves at Wells Fargo Arena on March 21, 2019 in Des Moines, Iowa. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA – MARCH 21: Tremont Waters #3 of the LSU Tigers during the first round of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at VyStar Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on March 21, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

2. Contain Tremont Waters

The most important player on the floor for LSU has to be Tremont Waters. He runs the offense for the Tigers and leads the team in scoring and assists while making 43 percent of his shots. He’s not a deadly 3-point shooter, but he can stretch the defense by making that shot from distance.

Waters can cause problems for any defense but as long as the Spartans find the right matchup here, they’ll be able to slow him down. Is that with Cassius Winston? Maybe. Is it with Matt McQuaid? It’s possible. What about Aaron Henry? A strong case could be made for him as well. The good thing is that the Spartans have three guys who could effectively guard and contain him.

Winston may not be the most athletic player on the floor, but his defense has improved. He doesn’t need to hold Waters to zero points, but he does need to make sure he doesn’t get any open lanes.

Containing Waters is imperative to this team’s success and without him scoring, the Tigers will have to find a different spark which is easier said than done.

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