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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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 10: Malik Hall #25 of the Michigan State Spartans rebounds the ball during the second half in the game against the Maryland Terrapins during the Big Ten Tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

2. Battle on the boards

It is going to be tough to win the battle on the boards against a bigger Purdue game but it is not out of the question. The Spartans need to find their grit and intensity. They need to keep Zach Edey out of the lane and box people out.

Purdue loves to shoot the three-ball and so they need to make those shots tough on the Boilermakers while also boxing them out and stopping them from getting a long rebound for second-chance points.

In the first half of the quarterfinals, the Spartans gave up eight offensive rebounds which allowed the Badgers to stay in the game. They only gave up two in the second half.

Gabe Brown gets his energy from doing these gritty plays. He needs to cut to the basket and get some rebounds to let the Spartans get out in transition. Brown is at his best when he is doing more than just scoring for his team. He feeds off that. Joey Hauser is always solid at rebounding. He needs to continue this trend and box out. Marcus Bingham and Julius Marble need to fight and claw for the boards. Whatever it takes to keep them off the glass.

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