Michigan State Basketball: 3 things we learned vs. Tennessee Tech

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Michigan State basketball narrowly defeated Tennessee Tech on Saturday and here’s what we learned.

It wasn’t pretty, but nothing in 2016 has been for Michigan State basketball. Another starter was missing from the lineup on Saturday afternoon against Tennessee Tech in Matt McQuaid, but the weaknesses were more related to lack of defense in the post. The Spartans still found a way to win, 71-63.

Must Read: MSU Basketball: 10 bold predictions for 2016-17 season

Michigan State was up by 18 points early in the game and then 16 points late in the second half but failed to shut the door, allowing the Golden Eagles to get back into it.

The Spartans ultimately held on despite poor shooting from the charity stripe and lackluster rebounding and improved to 7-4 on the season. Tennessee Tech fell to 4-7.

Here’s what we learned from the game.

1. Spartans have trouble closing out games

Yet again Michigan State had a big lead but just couldn’t finish off the Golden Eagles when it mattered most. The Spartans were up by 16 points late in the second half and let off the gas, allowing Tennessee Tech to pull within seven, nearly allowing a three-pointer to make it a four-point game with about a minute left.

Michigan State needs to learn how to shut the door for good like last year’s team did on a regular basis.

2. Free throws are not a strength

Yikes. You know it’s bad when three-point shooting is nearly as affective as three-point shooting. In fact, the Spartans made 10-of-25 threes and only 17-of-30 free throws. This is something that needs to improve going forward. In order to close out opponents, making free throws will be imperative.

3. Langford, Ward, Winston improving drastically

The three healthy freshmen are improving by the game and Saturday was no different. Josh Langford is starting to look like a sharpshooter and all-around smart player, although his traveling turnovers have become frustrating.

Cassius Winston and Nick Ward are developing a solid connection as the point guard constantly feeds the post with a nice pass. Winston finished with six points and nine assists and Ward had 10 points, five rebounds and two blocks in only 12 minutes.