Michigan State basketball: 3 Takeaways as Spartans soar over NDSU

On Thursday, Michigan State basketball opened their NCAA tournament bid against the North Dakota State Bison. The Bison entered the game on a tear, ripping through the Summit League with only two losses and decimating the competition in their league tournament.

The Spartans entered with less momentum, limping into a one-and-done in the Big Ten Tournament after dropping a game to Michigan to end the regular season. At the start of the game, NDSU made it interesting, grabbing an early lead and making MSU uncomfortable. However, after that initial four minute push, the momentum flipped. Michigan State basketball cruised to a 20-point halftime lead and a 25-point final margin of victory over the hapless Bison.

What can be taken away from the game?

1. Cam Ward soars high

When the lights are on the brightest, Cam Ward factors into the game for Michigan State. Ward dealt with foul trouble in the regular season finale, and the Spartans fell late. Tonight, Ward was the third star of the game behind Jeremy Fears Jr. and Carson Cooper.

The freshman was all over the court, with two blocks, a rebound, and 13 points in 16 minutes of action. He was schemed into the game from the start, with Ward serving as one of the first subs and getting tough shots to fall from his first shift.

Ward showed athleticism and hustle, and didn’t have to take many shots from outside. He was the steadying force for Michigan State basketball. The one issue Ward has had was that foul trouble reared its head again, with the freshman needing to sit for extended time after hitting three fouls. During that time, NDSU made a run and gathered momentum.

Once Ward checked back in and had hustle plays and dunks, the momentum remained with MSU until the end of the game.

2. Spartan leadership owned this game

After the disappointing loss to UCLA, Michigan State basketball took a deep look at themselves. They fell to the number nine overall seed, giving them the three-seed. They responded in Thursday’s win with big games.

While Jeremy Fears Jr. saw his double-digit point game streak snapped, the All-American was dishing the ball well, with nine assists in the first half alone. This led to Fears getting swarmed more, and it led to big games for Coen Carr and Carson Cooper.

Fears Jr. cited after the game, his streak snapping meant nothing to him. “If I get zero points, 10 assists, 10 rebounds, it does not matter to me if we get the win. Whatever it takes to get the win,” he said of losing the streak but approaching double digit assists by halftime.

The nucleus of the four returning Spartans with major minutes last season, adding in Jaxon Kohler, combined for 56 of Michigan State’s points, and 18 of Michigan State basketball’s program-record 26 assists on the night.

The elders of the team took a look at themselves, and they did not look past an opponent that MSU opened up as 16.5-point favorites. At halftime, too, the team did not lose focus.

Fears Jr. talked to Spartan Shadows about what early-season second half struggles against San Jose State and Toledo taught Michigan State.

“Obviously, understanding that there are great teams and great players everywhere,” Fears said. “One game, we were up by 20, the next, we were neck-and-neck with four minutes to go. It’s understanding that it is always going to be a game no matter what, no matter how the game can change and what not.”

3. Straight back to work

The mood in the locker room after the game was not one of celebration for Michigan State basketball. There was some jubilation, and joy, along with the high of the entire bench that was healthy playing in the NCAA Tournament, but there was a larger emphasis on focus.

Jaxon Kohler was serious during his session, saying that the team cannot get too high from this and think that everything is good. This team shot 59% from the field, 50% from three, and 89% from the line, but there is more to play for and be desired. The Spartans are already planning to be hard at work for their next opponent, Louisville.

Jeremy Fears Jr. instantly called Louisville a good team, and had excitement for the upcoming match, citing how well Louisville plays together as a guard unit and team.

Even the freshmen of Jordan Scott and Cam Ward, fresh off their first ever NCAA Tournament action, had their eyes on Louisville. The Spartans and Tom Izzo remain focused on the bigger picture, and are not buying their success after one game.

What is next for Michigan State basketball?

The Spartans have a hard day of practice before taking on Louisville in the round of 32 in Buffalo, New York. The Cardinals survived an upset attempt by USF. The Bulls trailed by as many as 23, but cut the final deficit to four when the clock hit all zeros. The game time and network is yet to be announced.