Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from comeback win at Penn State

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 29: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans in action against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on February 29, 2020 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 29: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans in action against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on February 29, 2020 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – FEBRUARY 29: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans in action against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Xfinity Center on February 29, 2020 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – FEBRUARY 29: Xavier Tillman #23 of the Michigan State Spartans in action against the Maryland Terrapins during the first half at Xfinity Center on February 29, 2020 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

1. Xavier Tillman may not be around much longer

The more Xavier Tillman improves in every aspect of his game, the less likely it is that he’ll be back for his senior season.

And on Tuesday, Tillman’s stock was at an all-time high after he finished with arguably the best game of his career. He scored a career-high 23 points to go along with 15 rebounds and two blocks. Those two swats may seem deceivingly low because he played some lockdown defense on Lamar Stevens, holding him to 3-of-19 shooting on Senior Night.

Tillman proved that the National Defensive Player of the Year snub was as egregious as previously thought with his performance on Stevens.

On top of that, he showed more post moves, stronger finishes around the rim and a knack for getting the put-back at the perfect times.

If Tillman wasn’t on his game like he was on Tuesday, Michigan State doesn’t get this monster win and improve to 21-9, sitting in first place in the Big Ten.

Enjoy Xavier while you can, Spartan fans, he may not be around much longer.