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Michigan State Basketball: Report card for comeback win over Penn State

By Connor Muldowney

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 29: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots a free throw 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: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots a free throw 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) /
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COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – FEBRUARY 29: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates his three pointer against the Maryland Terrapins during the second half 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 celebrates his three pointer against the Maryland Terrapins during the second half at Xfinity Center on February 29, 2020 in College Park, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

Starters

Once again, the starters dominated the show, scoring all but eight points on Tuesday night. This is a common theme, but Tom Izzo needs some bench guys to take pressure off down the stretch.

Cassius Winston: B+

This wasn’t your typical dominant performance by Cassius Winston, but he continued his scorching-hot stroke from deep. He made 1-of-2 shots from deep and 5-of-7 from the floor for 14 points and he added seven assists with just two turnovers. He also had the “kill shot” yet again, hitting the game-clinching and-one with just under a minute left. He has made 13 of his last 17 3-pointers.

Aaron Henry: A-

I continue to be impressed with Aaron Henry’s progress. Just a few weeks ago, he looked lost, but now he’s showing more confidence in his ability to drive to the hoop and take big shots in big moments. He tied the game at 49 with a huge three in the second half and then hit a big shot close to the basket late to extend what was a slim lead. He had eight rebounds, three assists and, most importantly, no turnovers. On top of all this, Henry played great defense again.

Rocket Watts: A-

Like Henry, Rocket Watts played stingy defense that helped get Michigan State get back in the game in the second half. While his shooting numbers weren’t incredibly impressive at 7-for-20 and 2-for-10 from deep, he made up for it with clutch shots and lockdown defense. He finished with 18 points, four rebounds and an assist with no turnovers and no silly fouls.

Malik Hall: B-

For the second straight game, Malik Hall got the start. And for the second straight game, Hall fouled out. The freshman forward had four points and three rebounds with a critical block late in the game that helped seal the win for the Spartans. Michigan State needs his toughness in the post but he needs to stay out of foul trouble.

Xavier Tillman: A+

Yes, this is the second A+ grade of the year that I’ve handed out. Much like the first (Cassius’ performance vs. Michigan), Xavier Tillman earned this. He played his best basketball of the season, recording a career-high in points with 23 and he grabbed 15 rebounds. He also blocked a couple of shots and held Lamar Stevens to 3-for-19 shooting. Tillman was an absolute beast and looked like the best player on the floor Tuesday.

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