How Michigan State basketball beat Northwestern and what it means

What it means

The same people who think making the tournament is the ultimate goal came away from this game feeling good. Those who want this program to reach higher than the bare minimum will take the win, but are worried about the remainder of the season.

This team will go nowhere shooting under 35 percent percent from the field, 11.8% from deep, and getting zero production from two important veterans.

AJ Hoggard has made a habit of finally waking up when there's 15 minutes left in the entire game, Jaden Akins' offensive value has plummeted, and Tyson Walker's numbers have been on the decline since his injury, which, if his groin is the reason the ball simply refuses to go in the basket, then he needs to sit out of the Indiana game.

Your best players need to be playing their best at the most important time of the season and the only player doing that right now is Malik Hall. At their best, this team can still make a deep run in March but too many times, two or more players hit a slump at the exact same time. Wednesday was the perfect example.

The team is already at a one player disadvantage offensively with a center on the court. Add Hoggard's lack of production, Akins' slump, and Walker's putrid numbers from deep in his last 10 games (28 percent) and the only options for MSU is Malik Hall and Walker driving to the basket (38 percent on 2-point shots and has not shot over 50 percent from the field in a game since Jan. 18).

Yes, the win yesterday all but guarantees a 26th straight season making the tournament and a win is a win is a win, but don't book any flights to Houston if they continue to play like this.