Michigan State Basketball: 3 keys to victory vs. Purdue in Big Ten tourney

Michigan State Basketball: 3 keys to victory vs. Purdue in Big Ten tourney semis

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 11: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after a play in the game against the Wisconsin Badgers during the Big Ten Championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 11, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

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Michigan State basketball has advanced to the semifinals of the Big Ten tourney where it will take on Purdue. Can the Spartans beat the Boilermakers again?

Michigan State basketball has battled these last two days grinding out wins against Maryland and Wisconsin and will now have to face a strong and big Purdue team. The Spartans have played Purdue once this season already and won on a last second shot from Tyson Walker. Now they have to have a rematch against this top-10 contender.

Michigan State has proven they can battle against the best and they need to do it again when they face the Boilermakers. In their only meeting this season, the Spartans held Jaden Ivey to 16 points while he only had one assist and he turned the ball over five times. The Spartans need to recreate this same type of uneasiness on Ivey in this game.

MSU also needs to find that defensive effort they had against Johnny Davis and press Ivey and Zach Edey in the same ways. The Spartans also need to find an offensive rhythm early. Purdue is not a great defensive team so if the Spartans can find a rhythm that can be beneficial.

Michigan State has faced the Purdue Boilermakers four times in the Big Ten Tournament and have won each meeting. What are the keys to beating Purdue in the Big Ten Tournament?

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