Michigan State Basketball: 5 keys to victory over Texas Tech in Final Four

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WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 31: Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans hits a three point basket late in the game against Zion Williamson #1 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

2. Take advantage of open looks from 3-point range

With Texas Tech’s aggressive, no-middle defense, there are opportunities for open shots from the perimeter. No, you never truly want to live or die by the three — unless your name is Auburn — but the Spartans will get plenty of good looks from distance.

Don’t get me wrong, Texas Tech won’t concede open shots from 3-point range and it’ll try to get back to make those looks even more difficult, but the Red Raiders almost dare opponents to attempt low-percentage shots as to avoid easy looks from the paint or inside the arc.

Luckily, the Spartans have a crafty point guard like Cassius Winston who can find open guys anywhere on the floor and can even create his own shot.

Michigan State will draw up plenty of plays to get Cassius down the lane into a crashing defense and he’ll either hit an open man behind him or in the corner or, heck, even streaking down the baseline for an easy bucket.

Texas Tech’s defense is complex, but the Spartans have had all week to prepare for this and making shots they’ve made consistently this season will be imperative when it comes to beating the Red Raiders.

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