Michigan State Basketball: Report card for gutsy win at Seton Hall

Starters

Michigan State’s starting five had a solid game, even though Xavier Tillman was a relative non-factor on the offensive end. Certain guys stepped up and Rocket Watts even got into the fun, pulling the Spartans within two with a big three in the second half. This unit is gaining confidence.

Cassius Winston: B+

Let’s face it, the big-time player came up clutch when the Spartans needed him most — yet again. Cassius has developed a clutch factor over his career and he made a huge 3-pointer near the end of regulation to give Michigan State a 72-71 lead. He didn’t play his best game and still finished with 21 points, four assists and two steals and no one is talking about how impressive it was that he didn’t pick up a fourth foul after earning a third a few minutes into the second half. Cassius did Cassius things yet again despite a poor shooting night.

Rocket Watts: B

If Rocket Watts can continue developing his offensive game, the Spartans are going to be dangerous. He flashed his potential against the Pirates, finishing with eight points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals and was 3-of-8 from the floor. He hit a huge 3-pointer with Michigan State down five with a few minutes left that gave the Spartans much-needed momentum. He struggled a bit to defend Myles Powell, but he will learn as time goes on. He didn’t have a single foul or turnover.

Aaron Henry: B

Aaron Henry is developing into quite the on-ball defender. He doesn’t let much go by him and he swats shots at a solid rate for a guard. He had nine points, an assist, a rebound, a steal and a block and made 3-of-6 shots from the floor. He did roll his ankle near the end of the first half and toughed it out in the final 20 minutes, but he clearly wasn’t 100 percent. The Spartans will hope to get him back to full healthy by the next game.

Thomas Kithier: B-

It was a relatively quiet night for Thomas Kithier who finished with six points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal. He did have three big offensive rebounds, but it was clear the Pirates’ size stymied any offensive post game he could have mustered. He still remains consistent around the basket and runs the floor well.

Xavier Tillman: C-

You won’t see a worse game from Xavier Tillman for as long as he’s in the green and white. He just looked out of sorts all night long and it led to a brutal 1-for-9 line from the floor. He missed both of his 3-point attempts and split a pair at the line, but he was a no-show on the offensive end. He struggled against the bigger Seton Hall bodies and didn’t look for his own shot down low much and when he did, he couldn’t finish. Defensively, he redeemed himself with two good stands at the end of regulation to seal the win. He did have 11 rebounds as well.