Head Coach Tom Izzo's Michigan State basketball teams are famous for their tough defense. It's always been a big part of why they're so successful. But this year, they've taken it up a notch and are playing even better defense than usual!.
This season, the Spartans are allowing just 66 points per game, the lowest in a season since 2019-20. Then, the Spartans were a projected two seed, and expected to compete for a national championship. Sadly, the season was cancelled, and we never got to see how good that team truly was.
Their defense isn't just good, it's incredibly consistent. The NCAA Division I average in points allowed per game is 71.2. Not only do the Spartans average 66 points allowed per game, but the most points that they have let up all season in regulation is 85, against Penn State.
Some defensive performances to note are Colorado, Nebraska, and Oakland. All three were teams who competed in last years’ March Madness, with two advancing past the first round. Despite the potential for upsets, Michigan State controlled these games, winning each by 15+ points while holding each opponent under 60.
Last week, the Spartans faced a tough road test against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus. Ohio State's Bruce Thornton entered the game red-hot, fresh off back-to-back 30-point explosions against then #4 ranked Kentucky and Indiana State. It looked like Thornton might be poised for another big game, potentially handing Michigan State a loss.
Thornton finished with 10 points, going 3/9 from the field, and 0/5 from deep. Not only did he have a poor statline, but the defensive performances from Jaden Akins, Jeremy Fears Jr., Tre Holloman, and Jase Richardson practically took him out of the game, forcing other players to step up for the Buckeyes, which did not happen. The Spartans won the game 69-62.
Last Thursday, Michigan State hosted Washington in a conference battle. Although the Spartans were favored, it seemed like it could be a close one considering the Huskies almost upset Illinois just a few days before.
The defense of Michigan State took them out of the game early, with the Huskies missing bad shot attempts due to good defense, and starting the game 0/13. Not only did the Spartans dominate, but Washington put up just 13 points at the half. The defense took them out of the game early, and the Spartans went on to win 88-54.
The Spartan defense has been elite this season, demonstrating remarkable consistency and an ability to neutralize star players. They've even held opponents to a mere 13 points in a half. This dominant defense could be the key to a National Championship run if they maintain this level of play.
This season, the Spartans are allowing just 66 points per game, the lowest in a season since 2019-20. Then, the Spartans were a projected two seed, and expected to compete for a national championship. Sadly, the season was cancelled, and we never got to see how good that team truly was.
Their defense isn't just good, it's incredibly consistent. The NCAA Division I average in points allowed per game is 71.2. Not only do the Spartans average 66 points allowed per game, but the most points that they have let up all season in regulation is 85, against Penn State.
Some defensive performances to note are Colorado, Nebraska, and Oakland. All three were teams who competed in last years’ March Madness, with two advancing past the first round. Despite the potential for upsets, Michigan State controlled these games, winning each by 15+ points while holding each opponent under 60.
Last week, the Spartans faced a tough road test against the Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus. Ohio State's Bruce Thornton entered the game red-hot, fresh off back-to-back 30-point explosions against then #4 ranked Kentucky and Indiana State. It looked like Thornton might be poised for another big game, potentially handing Michigan State a loss.
Thornton finished with 10 points, going 3/9 from the field, and 0/5 from deep. Not only did he have a poor statline, but the defensive performances from Jaden Akins, Jeremy Fears Jr., Tre Holloman, and Jase Richardson practically took him out of the game, forcing other players to step up for the Buckeyes, which did not happen. The Spartans won the game 69-62.
Last Thursday, Michigan State hosted Washington in a conference battle. Although the Spartans were favored, it seemed like it could be a close one considering the Huskies almost upset Illinois just a few days before.
The defense of Michigan State took them out of the game early, with the Huskies missing bad shot attempts due to good defense, and starting the game 0/13. Not only did the Spartans dominate, but Washington put up just 13 points at the half. The defense took them out of the game early, and the Spartans went on to win 88-54.
The Spartan defense has been elite this season, demonstrating remarkable consistency and an ability to neutralize star players. They've even held opponents to a mere 13 points in a half. This dominant defense could be the key to a National Championship run if they maintain this level of play.
