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Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from much-needed win over Indiana

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - MARCH 02: Malik Hall #25 and Julius Marble II #34 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate from the bench in the second half of the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Breslin Center on March 02, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - MARCH 02: Malik Hall #25 and Julius Marble II #34 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate from the bench in the second half of the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Breslin Center on March 02, 2021 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Mar 2, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Joshua Langford (1) is fouled while shooting by Indiana Hoosiers guard Rob Phinisee (10) during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Joshua Langford (1) is fouled while shooting by Indiana Hoosiers guard Rob Phinisee (10) during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The offense was really hard to watch

Much like the offense was on Sunday at Maryland, Michigan State’s ability to score was just not there and that needs to be corrected before facing Michigan twice to finish the regular season.

The struggles began early on with no field goals through the first six minutes and then shooting about 25 percent for most of the first half. Those struggles carried over into the second half with a stretch of 1-for-13 field goal shooting at one point. That’s not going to cut it.

It wasn’t even just the shooting that was bad — although it was awful with 38 percent shooting from the floor and 24 percent from deep — the turnovers were silly. Too many errant passes to Indiana defenders and poor shot selection. Missing bunnies also hurt and so did the play-calling. Michigan State can’t continue utilizing the “dribble for 25 seconds and hoist up a prayer” play.

Things got corrected as the second half progressed, especially with Aaron Henry, but if Michigan State can’t show signs of life on offense, the season is going to be over very quickly this March.

Luckily, Michigan State’s defense stepped up to the plate.

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