Indiana looks to build on its road win against Nebraska when the Hoosiers take on Michigan State this Thursday in Bloomington.
After a disastrous offensive effort on the road against Rutgers in which Indiana only managed 50 points in a loss, the Hoosiers rebounded and secured their first Big Ten road win Saturday against Nebraska. It was refreshing to see Indiana basketball take care of business against a team on the road in conference play, especially considering the upcoming stretch of games on the Hoosiers’ schedule.
At 14-4 (4-3 in Big Ten play) Indiana currently sits in a tie for fourth place in the Big Ten. If Indiana wants to remain near the top of the conference standings they will have to pull off some big wins in the next few weeks. The Hoosiers’ first big test comes this Thursday at home against the Big Ten leading Michigan State Spartans. After a strong non-conference open to the season, MSU has continued to play like a title contender as they are 6-1 in conference play.
Although Michigan State has been the far superior team the last couple of seasons, Indiana has actually had quite a bit of success against the Spartans. Last season Indiana swept the season series, winning a pair of close match-ups. Indiana forward Justin Smith played two of his best games in an Indiana uniform against MSU, including a 24 point effort last March in a thrilling 63-62 win.
Both squads look a bit different from last spring. Indiana is no longer led by Juwan Morgan and Romeo Langford who both play in the NBA. Michigan State lost key contributors in Nick Ward, who is now in the G League, and Joshua Langford who is out for the season due to injury.
The Spartans do still have one of the best players in the country in All-American Cassius Winston.
The senior guard is having another incredible year and has been the catalyst behind much of the team’s success. He’s putting up 18.1 points and 6.1 assists per game. The only other double-digit per game scorer on the Spartans is junior forward Xavier Tillman who is currently averaging a double-double (13.9 ppg, 10.0 rpg).
Outside of that upperclassmen duo, Michigan State has been reliant on its depth. Nine players average more than twelve minutes a game, but only three additional players average more than five points per game. The Spartans are in desperate need for some of their role players to step up, most notably Aaron Henry (9.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg), who has scored in single-digits in three of his last four games, and Rocket Watts (7.0 ppg, 2.1 apg).
Key Storylines
Indiana:
Can Indiana put forth the same kind of effort and execution offensively that was on display against Nebraska? Good ball movement and shot selection allowed Indiana to play off of big men Joey Brunk and Trayce Jackson-Davis and provided Indiana with opportunities to knock down good perimeter shots. If Indiana is able to establish itself inside early on, they should be able to create high percentage shots for their guards on the perimeter. However, if Indiana fails to establish its big men early on and does not get enough touches to Jackson-Davis and Brunk, they could be forced into low-percentage shots as they were against Rutgers. Will Justin Smith continue his impressive play against Michigan State? The junior forward averaged 18.5 ppg, 7 rpg and 1.5 bpg in two wins a season ago. Indiana usually goes as Justin Smith goes.
Michigan State:
Can Michigan State continue its dominance on the glass in Big Ten play? The Spartans are first in the conference in defensive rebounding and second in total rebounding. Their ability to create second chances and limit possessions for their opponents will be tested against an Indiana team with some excellent rebounders. Whichever team controls the glass may be the key indicator of who will win this game.
Key Players
Trayce Jackson Davis (14.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2 bpg), Justin Smith (12.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Devonte Green (11.1 ppg, 2.3 apg), Joey Brunk (8.1 ppg, 6.6 rpg)
Cassius Winston (18.1 ppg, 6.1 apg), Xavier Tillman (13.9 ppg, 10 rpg), Aaron Henry (9.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.1 apg)