3 reasons Michigan State basketball can win 2021 Big Ten Tournament

Michigan State basketball is heading into the Big Ten Tournament red-hot and here’s why the Spartans can win the championship.

It’s been a couple of years since Michigan State was able to participate in the Big Ten Tournament due to COVID-19 wiping out March Madness last year.

Unlike most years, the Spartans are playing in the second round without a double-by and top-four finish because, well, they weren’t good for about three-fourths of the Big Ten regular season. They ended red-hot, though, winning five out of the last seven games which included three victories over top-five opponents.

Michigan State played its way back into the NCAA Tournament and before that can happen, the Spartans might just take the Big Ten tourney by storm.

Michigan State can win the Big Ten Tournament, and here’s why.

3. Defense has been stellar

One reason for Michigan State’s rapid turnaround has been its defense. Starting in the second half against Indiana, the Spartans have been putting the clamps on some opponents that have been truly lighting up the scoreboard this season.

In this 5-2 stretch, Michigan State has allowed over 70 points just three times and not once have the Spartans surrendered more than 73.

Michigan State held Michigan to under 70 points twice, Ohio State once and also Indiana once. The only occasions where teams broke 70 were at Indiana (W), at home against Illinois (W) and at Maryland (L). Even in those games, the defense played well for the most part. The Maryland game may be the only exception because MSU struggled to get stops in the second half which led to the loss and the Terps still only finished with 73.

If Michigan State can continue this solid defensive stretch with guys like Aaron Henry, Joshua Langford, Rocket Watts and Marcus Bingham Jr. all playing well on that end while holding teams under 70, the Spartans can beat anyone.