Free throw defense?

Well, it wasn't pretty but a win is a win, especially when it comes on the road.  Wisconsin held Michigan State to 49 points but the good news for the Spartans was that they held the Badgers to 47.  How did the Spartans win such a grizzly battle? Free throw defense.  The cameras were just a tad too far away to catch the sneers, jeers, and jabs the Spartans gave to their Wisconsin opponents attempting their free, uncontested shots from the line.  The result?  A 39% effort from the Badgers, which helped the Spartans keep an edge.

Unlike the Ohio State game with an even spread of offense, Tuesdays game witnessed two clear leaders in Appling and Dawson.  We've been waiting for Dawson to break out and his double-double performance did not disappoint.  In a team meeting the night before, Dawson told his team, "Don't argue with coach." (MSU men's hoops: Dawson keeps quiet...gets big results, lsj.com).  Listening to Izzo worked.  I'm sure Coach Izzo will not quickly let his team forget that.

As a team, the Spartans shot only 38% during the game but what mattered in the end was the ability for them to hold off the Badgers and pull off the win.

Each game is different and presents new challenges but as long as the Spartans stay adaptable, they will keep their lead atop the Big Ten.  Sunday's game against Indiana will prove to be their biggest challenge yet this season.  Both teams only have one loss in the Big Ten, along with Michigan.  One will go down on Sunday.

Who do YOU think it will be?