Here is what you need to know about Michigan State's offense and defense this season.
Michigan State is ranked 61st in scoring defense, allowing 67.2 points per game. However, the Spartans have played very well on the defensive end, being ranked in the top 20 in the nation in blocks per game (18th), rebound margin (7th), rebounds defensive per game (12th), and three-point percentage defense (20th).
On offense, Michigan State has scored 80 or more points in 13 games this season but because they scored only 69 points or less in games against Kansas, Memphis, and Ohio State, it has brought their points per game average down and that is why the Spartans are not ranked in the top 35 of scoring offenses in the country. Michigan State only has one player currently averaging double digits per game in scoring but that doesn’t mean that the Spartans offense isn’t effective this season and not deserving of being called a top four offense in the Big Ten this season.
Michigan State is very balanced this season with ten players averaging over 14 minutes per game. On offense, there are seven players averaging 7.6 points per game, which doesn’t seem impressive, but it does show that in any given game, there are players on the team that can score even if a player like Jaden Akins doesn’t put up double digits that game.
The facts are that Michigan State has won 13 straight games, is in 1st place in the Big Ten with a 9-0 record, is undefeated on their home court and in true road games and has an overall record of 18-2.
If UCLA is looking to win their sixth straight game and climb the Big Ten standings, a win against Michigan State is necessary, but it will not be easy.