Michigan State basketball came back from a short holiday break and the Spartans looked like they had been off for a while on Monday afternoon against Western Michigan. The Spartans ended up winning 80-62 on Monday to close out non-conference play and improve to 11-2 on the year.
It wasn't pretty, but you have to take a win any way you can get it, especially after a holiday break that could bring some rust.
The Spartans built a 13-point lead at the half before giving up a 10-point run to begin the second half and eventually pulling away from the Broncos.
What did we learn from Michigan State's win on Monday?
1. The rust was evident
It was pretty clear that Michigan State had an extended holiday break and it showed in the second half of an 18-point win. The Spartans probably played their worst half of basketball all season and still won by 18 which is impressive but also something to monitor heading into Big Ten play.
If the Spartans come out and look like they did in the second half on Monday against a team like Ohio State on the road on Jan. 3, they're going to be in for a rude awakening.
Luckily Western Michigan was one of the worst teams that Michigan State will face all year so this rusty play didn't end up leading to a loss. But against any other opponent, this could've been a disaster.
Tom Izzo will have these guys playing less sloppy basketball by the weekend.