Michigan State basketball: Report card for big win over Michigan

Michigan State basketball picked up its sixth straight win on Saturday afternoon with a win over rival Michigan in East Lansing. The Spartans have gone from 5-4 after two disappointing losses to Notre Dame and Northwestern to 11-4 and 3-1 in Big Ten play.

The Spartans are hot right now and they beat Michigan despite not playing well against the Wolverines. Playing one of their worst offensive games of the season and still winning and covering is a good sign for the Spartans.

Michigan State must play better moving forward if they want to have a shot to upend Purdue atop the Big Ten standings and take care of business this week at Illinois and Wisconsin.

Here’s the report card from the Spartans’ big win.

Mady Sissoko: C+

Mady Sissoko did not have one of his better games against the Wolverines, finishing with just two points, three turnovers, and four fouls. He was a disappointing 1-for-4 from the floor and his offense was lacking all afternoon long. He caught the ball open in the post a few times, brought it down, and then was immediately swarmed and coughed up golden opportunities.

Defensively, however, Sissoko was much better. He locked down when he needed to and held Hunter Dickinson in check for most of the game but foul trouble limited him.

Michigan State needs Mady to be much better moving forward if it’s going to have a shot at pushing for the Big Ten title.