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

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: Nick Ward #44 and Kenny Goins #25 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate their teams 68-67 win over the Duke Blue Devils 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) /

5 of 5

WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 31: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans is defended by Tre Jones #3 of the Duke Blue Devils during the first 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) /

1. Run the fast break, speed up the pace

Texas Tech wants to make games ugly and slow the pace to make sure it wins low-scoring affairs — that plays right into the Red Raiders’ hands.

If Michigan State wants to avoid a Texas Tech-dominated game, it needs to speed up the pace and run the fast break constantly. Even after makes, the Spartans need to get out and run like they did against Duke which forced the Blue Devils to spend a little extra energy and you could see they were exhausted by the end of the game.

Michigan State usually has that effect on teams that are used to playing a slower pace and this could be the latest example.

First off, rebounding is a must and keeping the Red Raiders off the offensive glass will be key, but when the Spartans do grab boards, they need to find Cassius Winston, Matt McQuaid or Foster Loyer to get the break started.

dark. Next. 5 bold predictions for Michigan State in Final Four

Speed up the pace, force the Red Raiders to use all of their energy trying to stop the Spartans and you’ll see one team run out of gas by the end of the game — and it won’t be Michigan State.

Home/Spartans Basketball