1. This team just needs to be smarter down the stretch
Michigan State showed grit down the stretch against Kentucky and had flashes against Gonzaga despite blowing a 12-point second-half lead, but it needs to be smarter in key situations.
Fouling on a 3-point shot (although I didn’t agree with it) wasn’t ideal. Nor was turning the ball over after dribbling into a crowd, leading to an and-one on the other end. Heck, the inbounds turnover leading to a huge 3-pointer was the icing on the cake near the end of the game in terms of bone-headed plays.
Michigan State needs to be smarter.
Look, this is a really good team when it wants to be. It was up 12 on Gonzaga, beat Kentucky by nine in double-overtime, and was up 16 on Villanova. It just needs to learn how to close.
For about 30-35 minutes on Friday night, Michigan State looked darn near unbeatable. Have to put a full 40 minutes together.