With stingy defenders draped all over him, Allen said he had trouble getting open looks because he didn’t know the most efficient way to utilize screens. Fortunately, he had at his disposal a library’s worth of game film from somebody who did.

During the offseason, Allen began studying tape of former MSU guard Drew Neitzel, who was a master at moving without the ball and working off screens to create space for his shot.

Allen, who still studies the tapes to this day, said studying Neitzel has taught him new shooting techniques that he’s applied to his game this season.

The first thing Allen said he learned is that he needs to come harder off screens and always be prepared to shoot. But he’s also learned that what he may have perceived as a poor shot selection last year isn’t so bad after all.

“After watching some of the film, I look at some of the shots (Neitzel) takes and I’m like, ‘Man, he don’t look that open, but he got off a good clean shot,’” Allen said. “He got a good arc and follow through on the ball and it’s going in, so I’m just trying to learn from that.”

Allen has used his improved court savvy to become one of MSU’s most productive scorers this season.

Coming off the bench in all but four of MSU’s games, the sophomore from Lawrenceville, Ga., was averaging 9.2 points per contest before Thursday’s game against Iowa. He also leads the Spartans in made 3-pointers with 30.

“Chris is a great shooter. He’s not a good shooter, he’s a great shooter,” MSU head coach Tom Izzo said. “I know he’s been in a little bit of a slump, but he’s a great shooter, and I think what he’s looking at (while studying Neitzel) is coming off screens ready to shoot.

“I don’t think sometimes he’s ready to shoot, and we need him to shoot.”

Part of the reason Allen has struggled, Izzo said, is because he’s had trouble getting into a rhythm during short stints on the court. Allen said another reason is simply because he’s kind of been out of it the past three games.

No matter the reason, both know Allen — who Izzo said practiced much better on Tuesday — is capable of catching fire at any given moment, and will be a huge player for the Spartans throughout the balance of the season.

“He can go 0-for-25, but I still need him to shoot,” Izzo said. “I think he’s one of the best shooters we’ve had, I haven’t changed my mind on that.”