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Big Ten: Pretenders Or Contenders?

By Aaron Ferguson

Feb 22, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Yogi Ferrell (11) brings the ball up court during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at the Louis Brown Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Feb 22, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Yogi Ferrell (11) brings the ball up court during the first half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at the Louis Brown Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim O /
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Jan 23, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Matt Costello (10) celebrates with guard Denzel Valentine (45) after defeating the Maryland Terrapins at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Matt Costello (10) celebrates with guard Denzel Valentine (45) after defeating the Maryland Terrapins at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Michigan State Spartans

Big Ten Record: 7-4
Key Wins: vs. MD 74-65, @ MICH 89-73
Key Losses: vs. IOWA 76-59, @ WIS 77-76, vs. NEB 72-71

Contenders

The saying goes that “a team is only as good as their best player,” and it couldn’t be more accurate in describing the Michigan State Spartans. Head coach Tom Izzo was without his best player for the first four Big Ten games, though the Spartans went 3-1 in that span. Upon Denzel Valentine’s return, the Spartans lost three straight games, including two of those games by one point.

Following the three game adjustment period, Michigan State has won four straight games. That includes statement wins against Maryland and a road win against in-state rival Michigan. The other two games were won by an average win margin of 32.5 against Northwestern and Rutgers.

The Spartans have great depth, with 10 players playing in 20 or more games this season. The depth was good enough while Valentine was out, but they need their star player to compete at the highest level. He may be the most complete Spartan since Draymond Green, who averaged 16.2 points, 10.6 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. Valentine may be even better at the guard position, averaging 18.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game.

Michigan State’s other leading scorer is Bryn Forbes, who stepped up in Valentine’s absence. Forward Matt Costello has asserted himself as the hustle player and has really come on strong. He had a career performance against Maryland, where he had 15 points, 12 rebounds (six offensive), three blocks, two steals and two great celebrations. His play as a two-way forward is crucial going forward for Michigan State to match the post presence of their conference foes.

The Spartans still have games against Purdue and Indiana before their schedule relaxes with games against Penn State, Rutgers, Wisconsin and Ohio State. They will be getting every team’s best shot due to the storied history of Spartan basketball under Izzo. The schedule sets up nicely for them if they can take care of business against the two Indiana schools.

Izzo’s teams always seem to peak heading into March, and this year may be no different. Riding a four-game win streak, the Spartans have a prime opportunity to ascend to the top of the Big Ten standings and dethrone Iowa and Maryland. They will be able to do it with their senior leadership.

Next: Purdue Boilermakers