Michigan State is finally back in the win collum, bouncing back after a four-game losing streak to beat Nebraska, 66-56. The Spartans improve to 9-7 overall on the season, and 3-7 in Big Ten play.
The Spartans won this game in a very ugly fashion, with the teams combining for 39 turnovers in the ball game. After the Spartans only turned the ball over eight times against Iowa, even in a winning effort, it feels as if the team could have taken a step back in the ball security department after turning it over 22 times against Nebraska.
Michigan State got out of the gates fast, taking an early lead, and would hold it for the whole game. A first-half that MSU took a 34-22 lead into the locker room.
Tom Izzo’s squad relied heavily on their defense tonight, forcing Nebraska to shoot 36% from the field and only 17% from 3-point land. The Spartans also forced 17 Cornhusker turnovers. Marcus Bingham Jr. led the way defensively with 3 steals and 2 blocks.
Aaron Henry and Joshua Langford led in the scoring department, being the only two Spartans in double-figures. Henry scored 16 on 6-for-14 shooting and Langford added 18 on 7-of-12 shooting. Joey Hauser went scoreless on three shots while fouling out, a trend the Spartans hope doesn’t continue.
Michigan State took the first step in getting back into the 2021 NCAA Tournament conversation by beating Nebraska tonight. The Spartans will need to take the momentum from this win into the rest of the Big Ten season.
The Spartans are back in action Tuesday against Penn State at 7 p.m. E.S.T. on ESPN2.
