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Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from Final Four-clinching win over Duke

By Connor Muldowney

Cassius Winston, Michigan State basketball (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Cassius Winston, Michigan State basketball (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 31: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans is defended by Javin DeLaurier #12 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 31: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans is defended by Javin DeLaurier #12 of the Duke Blue Devils during the second half in the East Regional game of the 2019 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

4. Xavier Tillman’s versatility was the difference

Everyone talked about Zion Williamson being a matchup nightmare for Xavier Tillman, Kenny Goins and the Spartans but Michigan State’s bigs did the job.

Sure, Williamson still finished with 24 points and 14 rebounds, but he was 10-of-19 from the floor — not great per his standards — and had five turnovers. Tillman was the biggest reason for the headache Williamson had all night long because the sophomore’s versatility on the defensive end and ability to cover inside-out made Zion sweat.

No one expected Tillman to completely shut Zion down, but he’d be the first to tell you that the MSU big man’s defense was the difference.

Tillman never looked out-matched or out of place and he consistently bodied Williamson, forcing him into some tough situations where he coughed the ball up. He finished with three steals and two blocks, making scoring in the post that much more difficult for Duke.

It’s hard to believe Tillman is just a sophomore because he’s truly growing into a star before our eyes as he showed versatility on the offensive end as well, downing eight field goals for 19 points with nine rebounds.

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