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Michigan State Basketball: 3 things we’d like to see vs. No. 2 Michigan

By Connor Muldowney

Mar 2, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo and forward Aaron Henry (0) look on during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo and forward Aaron Henry (0) look on during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gabe Brown (44) celebrates after defeating the Indiana Hoosiers at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gabe Brown (44) celebrates after defeating the Indiana Hoosiers at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

1. A quick start

Far too often this season, Michigan State finds itself behind early in the first half and is forced to play catch-up for about 35-40 minutes. That’s not going to work against a potent Michigan team.

The Spartans didn’t score their first field goal until about four minutes into Thursday’s game and while they hung around for most of the first half until that Aaron Henry “flagrant” foul, it would have been far more beneficial if they came out much more prepared.

More prepared often means hotter and making shots and getting big stops. Michigan State plays its best when it’s seeing those shots fall early and confidence is a big thing with this team.

The last time Michigan State got hot early and got off to a quick start was the Illinois game and they controlled the entire contest, winning comfortably in East Lansing. That needs to be replicated on Sunday evening.

A hot start on Senior Day will go a long way toward controlling the tempo and potentially pulling off the upset.

Next. 3 takeaways from much-needed win vs. Indiana. dark

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