Michigan State basketball: 4 observations from watching a Kansas State game

After watching one (1) quick cut of the Kentucky vs. Kansas State game and literally zero games all season before that, here’s my expert analysis of Michigan State basketball’s next opponent.

1. Markquis Nowell has been that dude in March

Markquis Nowell can drive, he can dish, he can make his free throws, and he has been white-hot from the field in the NCAA Tournament, making over 50 percent of his shots. He did to Kentucky what we feared Boogie Ellis was going to do to Michigan State in our nightmare scenario.

The Spartans have done an excellent job shutting down the opponent’s best player and they will need every bit of that grit and hustle to limit Nowell. It’s extremely important Jaden Akins stays in position because, at the first sign of help defense, Nowell will find that open man for an easy layup or open 3-point attempt. He also hasn’t played less than 37 minutes in a game since late January so I would like to see the Spartans grind the Wildcats down and really make Nowell work for baskets and eventually he’ll hit a wall (right?).

2. Keyontae Johnson is a shorter-stronger-faster version of Drew Peterson

Drew Peterson is a guard in a forward’s body, Johnson is a forward in a guard’s body. Listed as a 6-foot-6 forward, he can do a little bit of everything. He can dunk with authority, make the 3-ball, grab a few rebounds, and find the open shooter when needed.

He also might be the only pro prospect on the court Thursday. He and Nowell are the scorers for this team but high-octane scoring duos do not seem to be a problem for the Spartan defenders in the last two games.

3. Kentucky had no issue rebounding the ball against Kansas State

I understand that there’s no Oscar Tshiebwe on this team, but they still had a plus-19 advantage (including plus-15 on offensive rebounds) against K-State. If MSU can even match half those numbers, this game gets so much easier.

Kentucky also had a below-average shooting day, only making 20 percent of its threes. If they shoot their average, they make three more long balls, adding nine points and winning the game.

4. This game is winnable

The Spartans have channeled their inner-Spartanball and have won these last two games with defense, grittiness, and great inside shooting; the opposite of what carried them all season.

They are due for a good 3-point shooting day after laying two stinkers from deep over the first weekend. Shutting down their scorers and having just an average shooting day can lead to a spot in the Elite Eight.