Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from impressive win at Minnesota

Up 60-41 with about 10 minutes left, Michigan State basketball looked to be on its way to a statement road win over a 7-0 Minnesota team.

But the Gophers rallied and made things very interesting late before the Spartans hit some free throws down the stretch to put the game away. Still, a 26-15 run to end the game is something that won’t make Tom Izzo too happy.

Izzo even said in the post-game presser that Michigan State played well in spurts but still has a lot of work to do. This team’s potential is sky-high, though.

What did we learn from this outstanding showing by Michigan State?

3. Balanced scoring is starting to wear teams down

It was said during the telecast, but Michigan State has a league-high nine guys who average at least five points per game. That depth showed on Wednesday night as the Spartans were able to rely on three 15-point scorers to wear Minnesota down.

When you have so many scoring options, teams can’t focus on just one guy. Michigan State can go to Malik Hall, Gabe Brown, Marcus Bingham Jr., Max Christie, and now even Tyson Walker.

Brown, Hall, and Walker each scored 15 to lead the way while Joey Hauser had 10, Christie had nine, Bingham had six, and Hoggard scored four. This balanced scoring attack is going to be especially helpful during Big Ten play when guys get into foul trouble or if injuries happen.

Michigan State also shot lights-out from 3-point range, making 10-of-21 shots and they finished the game shooting 48 percent from the floor and 79 percent from the free throw line. This offense is really starting to come together.

Now fix those turnovers.