Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo speaks to the media after the 71-60 win over Rutgers on Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, in East Lansing. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press
EAST LANSING — Michigan State basketball point guard Cassius Winston limped slightly, as he moved slowly across the floor on Wednesday night. He looked totally drained and beat up. A pad over his knee.
He tugged on his jersey, the universal sign that he needed a rest.
But MSU coach Tom Izzo couldn’t afford to pull Winston.
He’s too valuable.
“He told me to dig deep, (saying) ‘I know you got 3 more minutes in you,’” Winston said, after he stayed in the game, leading MSU to a 71-60 victory over Rutgers.