EAST LANSING, Mich. — No. 10 Michigan State (22-5) defeated Rutgers (12-14), 71-60 Wednesday night at the Breslin Center. Cassius Winston led the Spartans with 28 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Xavier Tillman finished with a double-double and career-high 19 points and 10 rebounds.
In their first game since Nick Ward’s hand injury against Ohio State, the Spartans struggled with getting into the post, rebounding and drawing fouls — essentially all of the things that Ward does for them.
“I think there is a great appreciation for Nick Ward,” said head coach Tom Izzo. “I think those guys realize that the ball goes in there — we missed a lot of open shots in there.