East Lansing – When Michigan State went small at Indiana on Saturday and seemed to unlock an offense that had been struggling to find an identity all season.
With Rocket Watts, Joshua Langford, Aaron Henry and Gabe Brown on the floor together, the offense took off, scoring 52 second-half points in that win over the Hoosiers. So, when Michigan State took the floor Tuesday night at the Breslin Center against No. 5 Illinois, it was the same foursome joined by center Julius Marble.
It was the right combination, once again, as all four guards played more than 30 minutes and each played a significant role in Michigan State’s 81-72 victory, one that ended Illinois’ seven-game win streak and kept alive the Spartans NCAA Tournament hopes.