Keys to victory in Michigan-Michigan State game

Michigan State’s keys to victory

Take advantage in the post

Michigan State has been starting two big men most of the Big Ten season, and it should be able to take advantage on the offensive end with senior Matt Costello and freshman Deyonta Davis. They will be challenged on the defensive end, but if they can consistently get the ball inside, the Wolverines will have a hard time defending.

Keep shooting

Michigan State made 16 3-pointers in a victory at Northwestern last week before matching a school record with 17 in the victory over Rutgers last weekend. Denzel Valentine and Bryn Forbes are shooting better than 40 percent while freshman Matt McQuaid was 6-for-9 in two games last week.

Control the glass

Michigan State leads the nation in rebounding margin and scored 33 second-chance points in the victory over Rutgers. With a size advantage inside, the Spartans will have a chance to dominate the offensive glass. With both teams among the best shooting teams in the Big Ten, rebounding could be the difference.

Michigan’s keys to victory

Donnal can’t be ordinary

Mark Donnal has been the biggest surprise in the Big Ten, coming from the scout team to a breakthrough performance against Illinois (26 points), and barely slowing down since. Michigan State attacks the glass like few others, especially with Matt Costello having a great senior year. Donnal will have to give Michigan points in the paint and limit Costello’s statistics.

Make the 3’s

Everyone knows Michigan lives and dies with the 3-point shot. It died this week against Indiana, missing so many open looks. That led to Indiana rolling in its transition offense, a strength of Michigan State’s. Duncan Robinson is definitely one to watch because he’s been way off on 3-pointers much of Big Ten play, especially lately. Michigan can’t afford another letdown from him.

Stay confident

Michigan is a confident team — when it’s making shots. When the shots aren’t falling, like they weren’t the last nine minutes of the first half against Indiana, the heads started slumping. This has happened multiple times this season. Michigan has too much talent to get down on itself, even if Caris LeVert doesn’t return.