The Spartans feel playing a fourth-straight game without their do-it-all leader in Thursday night’s Big Ten home opener against Illinois will have a similar safeguarding effect on the team as it sets its sights on conference and NCAA Tournament championships.
Michigan State (14-1, 1-1 Big Ten) held off Oakland in its first game without Valentine’s team-high points, rebounds and assists; stumbled mightily in the league-opening loss at Iowa; and banded together to find a way to beat Minnesota last Saturday.
If the Spartans can continue their winning ways in the short term without Valentine’s varied contributions, it doesn’t take much of an imagination to visualize the boost he’ll provide when he’s back to full speed.