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Michigan State basketball: 3 takeaways from tight win over Villanova

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates in the first half of the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Breslin Center on November 18, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - NOVEMBER 18: Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates in the first half of the game against the Villanova Wildcats at Breslin Center on November 18, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Nov 18, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talks with guard Jaden Akins (3) at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 18, 2022; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo talks with guard Jaden Akins (3) at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

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.

Next. 3 bold predictions for MSU vs. Indiana. dark

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