A woeful defense

But over the past four games, MSU’s defense has lacked the fearsome traits it once possessed. Opposing guards have been able to drive to the basket, the ball has been fed effectively into the post, physicality has been matched, shots have fallen and—worst of all—opponents have secured rebounds.

Despite its all-out efforts, MSU has looked slow defending the quickness of its opposition, late in contesting three-point shots and lacking the necessary strength in the post to limit points in the paint.

It can be seen on the court just as clearly as in the stats: over their first 21 games, the Spartans allowed 60 points per game; over the past four, they’ve allowed 83. Maybe it’s the fatigue of 25 games catching up to a team that prides itself on outstanding effort. Or maybe it’s the true colors of — in Izzo’s words — a “not great team” coming to light.

“You have to give Wisconsin some credit [on converting three point baskets],” Izzo said. “But you have to give us some blame, too. We’re not defending the three point shot as well as we had been. We have to defend better. That’s what we’re good at.”

To revert back to where MSU was only weeks ago, there must be better cohesion and consistency in the back court. Guards must limit penetration, contest shots and play with speed and intensity. Post players must limit ball penetration, play physical and rebound. This has been absent for four games, but if it can return, so can winning.  

Adjusting in Ugochukwu’s Absence

The effects of sophomore guard Divine Ugochukwu’s injury is not discussed enough. In MSU’s 76-73 loss to Minnesota, Ugochukwu was sidelined after an apparent foot injury. Two days later, it was announced he would have season-ending surgery on his left foot. 

Ugochukwu was a consistent role player for the Spartans. He gave MSU 16 minutes per game, averaging 5.1 points, 1.5 assists and 1.5 rebounds. He was reliable from beyond the arc, was a solid defender and provided depth to MSU’s guard position. 

Now, in his absence, the Spartans have struggled to adjust. 

“There was a reason we were 19-2, and we just didn’t lose those games, but we also lost a player,” Izzo said. “Nobody’s ever that good until you lose them. Divine could handle the ball from the wing and penetrate and made some big shots. So we’re adjusting without that.”

Without Ugochukwu, freshman guard Jordan Scott and sophomore guard Kur Teng have taken on larger roles, logging more minutes and contributing points, assists and everything in between. Yet, like any team that loses a key piece, MSU has struggled to find consistent offensive and defensive rhythm without the depth he provided at such an important position.

In Ugochukwu’s absence, fatigue has increased, cohesion has dipped and the Spartans are left without a player who bolstered their championship aspirations. A piece of the puzzle is missing, and while Scott and Teng have done what they can, it is not an easy one to replace. Over the final six games — as in the previous two — MSU must continue to adjust without Ugochukwu.

Importance of the UCLA game

The return of Xavier Booker is here — only this time, he’s dressed in blue and gold for UCLA Bruins men's basketball. The former Spartan’s return to the Breslin Center will surely garner headlines, but that storyline should not overshadow the importance of this game for MSU. It presents an opportunity for the Spartans to shore up their woeful defense, adjust to Ugochukwu’s absence and put an end to their recent struggles.

UCLA (17-8, 9-5 Big Ten) is no pushover. The Bruins are competitive just as they are fast, relying on a quick offense that shoots the ball well. They currently average 78 points per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. It’s a difficult offense to contain, one that will provide MSU’s back court with a big time challenge. 

“UCLA is well coached, it plays hard,” Izzo said. “Mick Cronin’s teams are always tough. I think Tyler Bilodeau is one of the better players in our league. He can beat you with his shot, beat you inside and is very strong.”

Bilodeau will be a tough matchup, as will the Bruins’ guards — Donovan Dent, Skyy Clark, Trent Perry and Eric Dailey Jr. — all of whom average more than 10 points per game. They are the conductors of a fast-paced offense that MSU will struggle to contain if it plays the way it has over the past four games.

But if the Spartans adjust — playing with less fatigue, greater cohesion and consistent reliability — MSU fans may see a performance that resembles what the team looked like during its first 21 games.

“We’ve lost three out of four games, but we’ve lost three out of four games before,” Izzo said. “It’s how we’re playing and who we’re playing that matters to me. And right now, we have a really good team that’s coming to East Lansing. That’s all I’m focusing on.”

With UCLA coming to town, MSU will attempt to push past its recent struggles by bettering its defense and finding proven consistency with the loss of Ugochukwu. The Spartans Bruins tip off on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 8:30 p.m. in the Breslin Center. The game will be aired on NBC.