Michigan State Basketball: 3 keys to victory against slumping Ohio State

Michigan State's A.J. Hoggard celebrates a 3-pointer against Purdue during the first half on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.220226 Msu Purdue 121a
Michigan State's A.J. Hoggard celebrates a 3-pointer against Purdue during the first half on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.220226 Msu Purdue 121a
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Michigan State forward Julius Marble II (34) dunks against Purdue during the second half at the Breslin Center in East Lansing on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022.
Michigan State forward Julius Marble II (34) dunks against Purdue during the second half at the Breslin Center in East Lansing on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022.

1. Get the bigs going down low

Michigan State has struggled to start the game by just pounding the rock down low to its big men. The Spartans often hesitate the pass which allows the defends to get in position to make a steal or push Julius Marble and Marcus Bingham off the block. When they hesitate, they get out of rhythm and then they settle for a jump shot. This cannot happen.

The Spartans need to pound the rock down low all game long.

When the Spartans can get the ball down low they have bigs who can be so effective on the block. Marble has gone off and been 5-for-5 from the floor Bingham has done that as well. Bingham has to stay on the block though for this to be successful. Too often he does not roll after a pick and he also settles for long jumper.

If Michigan State can get points in the paint, it can make defenders start to dig which will lead to kick out shots for the shooters. Michigan State has a ton of shooters but they are always settling and taking too many jumps when they don’t need to.

The Spartans are shooting the three at an average of 38 percent.

So get the ball down low and give your bigs options to kick out after they start to dominate the block and start to get defender sagging for the double team.