Head coach Tom Izzo highlighted the issues in rebounding because of the team’s lack of size. With MSU surrendering more second chance points off of offensive rebounds, the Spartans are finding ways to lose small amounts of points in many key areas.

While 37.4 percent from downtown as a team is not too shabby, 61.4 percent from the free throw line has cause for headaches and frustration.

“The free throw thing will get straightened out or I am going to get fined,” Izzo said. “The 20-hour rule will be 20 hours just on free throws and then there will be practice. Write the NCAA and tell them that I am getting fined because we are going to be shooting some free throws now one way or another. I don’t know what to say about it. Some of those guys are good free throw shooters. We know Nick (Ward) isn’t. He was 2-5, a little below his norm. We had some other guys miss some. Eron (Harris) missed some that he normally doesn’t and we had a lot of guys just miss one of two. 17-30 isn’t good."

Freshman forward Nick Ward has been the standout target for missed free throws. Although Izzo is not surprised by Ward’s inability to make them, he is at the free-throw line more than any other Spartan.

Attempting 52 so far this season, Ward has 22 more free throw attempts than the next Spartan, fifth-year senior Eron Harris with 30.

Out of Ward’s 52 free throw attempts, he has made 27 of them for a percentage of 51.9. If Ward were able to up his free throw percentage to 75 percent, he would have made 39 of his 52 free throws, a difference of 12 points.

While missing one point at a time doesn’t look like much, MSU has left many off the board. The impact is seen in games such as the two-point loss to then-No. 10 Arizona and narrow wins against Florida Gulf Coast and Oral Roberts by one point and four points, respectively.

MSU’s inability to make free throws could have cost the team a victory and wiggle room.

“It’s just another focus thing,” Harris said. “I don’t think it’s an issue of anyone getting in their head or anything. Make it simple, make our free throws.”

Harris himself has struggled at the line. Shooting 66.7 percent from the line, the jump shooter is the second leading scorer for MSU with 13.5 points per game.

While Ward remains the Spartans' inside threat, his physical style of play could see many more attempts on the free-throw line.

“Just be confident, hit the free throw,” Ward said. “I’m always going to have confidence in myself.”