Michigan State basketball hitting its stride thanks to strong defense

Michigan State basketball has gotten off to a nice start in Big Ten play, but the defense will have to continue to play well in order to make some noise.

Michigan State basketball has gotten off to an impressive 4-2 start in Big Ten play. The team is finally at full health with Malik Hall and Jaden Akins in the lineup again. And the lone conference loss before Friday’s loss at Illinois to Northwestern looks better with each passing week, as Chris Collins has put together a surprisingly tough squad this season.

That ugly road game against Notre Dame also feels far in the rearview mirror, even though it is still strongly affecting MSU’s ratings in NET, KenPom, and Torvik.

One major reason this team has been so successful through the first five games of the conference slate is their defensive play as of late.

MSU led the Big Ten heading into Friday in conference play in the following defensive metrics:

eFG% (45.2% allowed)
OR% (15.4% allowed)
3P% (26.6% allowed)

MSU for the most part holds opponents in check from deep. They showed some moments of weakness against Wisconsin and Penn State beyond the arc. But in clutch moments of the game, they make it difficult for opponents to get a good shot off. Walker, Hoggard, and Akins present a strong trio of athleticism, length, and quick hands that put opposing guards in an uncomfortable position.

Additionally, they are a solid defensive-rebounding team. Typically, Tom Izzo teams are known more for their offensive rebounding prowess, which is not the case this season. But when their opponent misses a shot, MSU displays good fundamentals in boxing the other team out. Joey Hauser and Mady Sissoko are particularly effective rebounders, even if they aren’t necessarily elite shot blockers. Sissoko is currently No. 33 of all D1 players in defensive rebounding percentage at 26.6 percent, and second in the Big Ten behind only POTY favorite Zach Edey.

Protecting the boards was crucial on the road at Illinois (No. 5 offensive rebounding percentage) and will be at home against Purdue (No. 1) and Rutgers (No. 2).

Defense travels. And when you combine that with their excellent free throw shooting in Big Ten play (83.1 percent in conference play), MSU showed us it has the tools to steal some crucial games on the road.

This year the Big Ten is again a tough conference where there are no given wins, save maybe one or two teams. But If MSU can go 2-1 or 3-0 over the next three, they are absolutely positioned to win a share of the regular season title.