Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from convincing win over Michigan

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 05: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans drives the basket past Brandon Johns Jr. #23 of the Michigan Wolverines during the first half at Breslin Center on January 05, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – JANUARY 2: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans goes up for a dunk against Kofi Cockburn #21 of the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half at Breslin Center on January 2, 2020, in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /

2. Xavier Tillman is red-hot

Not only does Xavier Tillman play incredibly well against Michigan, but he has been scorching hot over the past few games.

Actually, since the Virginia Tech game, Xavier has been on an entirely different level. He’s been recoding double-doubles left and right and he’s not afraid to shoot 3-pointers here and there — he can make them occasionally, too.

Since the loss to the Hokies, Tillman has recorded at least 15 points six times and has scored in double figures in all but one game. He also has 10-plus rebounds six times and has five double-doubles. If that isn’t impressive enough, he’s recorded at least three blocks in four straight games.

After putting together one of his best games of the season against Illinois, Tillman followed that up with 20 points, 11 rebounds, six blocks and three assists. He’s stuffing the stat sheet lately and he’s just getting started, it seems.

Remember when we were talking about his draft stock? Yeah, well that’s still intact.

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