Michigan State Basketball: 3 keys for bouncing back to beat Indiana

Feb 1, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gabe Brown (44) shoots a three point basket overt Maryland Terrapins guard Xavier Green (11) during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gabe Brown (44) shoots a three point basket overt Maryland Terrapins guard Xavier Green (11) during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State basketball has lost two in a row. They certainly don’t want to drop two in a row at the Breslin. Here’s what they need to do.

Michigan State is 3-4 in its last seven games. The Spartans are on a two-game losing streak and are looking to not extend that losing streak to three games. They will be back at home playing Indiana and will have their hand full once again.

The Spartans are going through some turmoil and a rough patch later than they normally do this season. They are struggling with turnovers once again and struggling with being a physical bang-bang team. They will need to come back to the Breslin Center and play like the high ceiling team they are capable of being.

This is a huge game for both of these programs as they look to solidify their NCAA tournament resume. The Spartans have been ranked as high as No. 10 but they still have plenty to prove that they are a legitimate contender.

Here are three keys to a Spartan victory.

3. Get offensive weapons started early

The Spartans have not been shooting the ball well in their last two games. Their main offensive weapons have struggled to get going early. They have not been able to find a rhythm and that will need to be a focus in this one.

Gabe Brown has started to get his groove back but he needs to be more aggressive. He has to be on the hunt for his shot early and look for his game to come to him. He scored 20 against Rutgers but then fell short at home against Wisconsin with only seven points. His number will be called upon to get the Spartans out of this rut they are in.

Look for Max Christie to get his number called as well. The Spartans would be wise to run off-ball screens for Christie to run around to have some catch-and-shoot options so he can get his confidence early.

When Malik Hall gets subbed into the game, he will need to find his spots quickly. Get on the block and take that baseline turnaround that he is so good at making. Be strong and drive to the hole. Hall will need to find ways to get his shots.

Getting these three going early will help the Michigan State offense get out and run and it will give them the needed confidence throughout the game. These three need to get an early start so the Spartans do not dig themselves an early hole.