Michigan State Getting It Done with Grit Once Again

Draymond Green continues to show Spartan fans he's worth his salt.

That was never really in question, but his physical play of late has proved to be a difference-maker for Tom Izzo's Spartans in recent contests.

Michigan State racked up yet another home victory against Minnesota Wednesday, 60-53, beating the Gophers for the 11th straight time.

With the win, the Spartans match Illinois' conference mark of 4-0, and they'll face the Illini Saturday, Jan. 16. That game will be a critical home test and measuring tool.

Green's physical presence came in handy late once again. 

The Spartans have won two conference games based on sheer physical play. That's what they have to do in order to establish their Big Ten supremacy. Not a "big" team like in past years, Izzo's men will have to rely on grit and hustle—the staples and fundamentals—if they want to run through conference foes like a hot knife through butter, as they did last year.

Height isn't necessarily the way to go for success in the Big Ten. Teams can be smaller, quicker, and smarter and still do damage. The issue of being able to compete with bigger teams like Texas, Kansas, and Carolina will be addressed in the coming weeks. Right now, the team just needs to worry about winning the scrappy Big Ten.

Scoring runs like the 18-4 first-half spurt against Minnesota need to be duplicated every night. Smart decisions and tough play earn wins—and consistency, well, that's what piles them up.  

No one said it would be pretty; we all know Big Ten basketball isn't. You don't have to be a Cinderella to get to the ball. No finesse here; just your rough-and-tumble ball that Michigan State has all but trademarked during the last two decades.