Should we believe in the Michigan State team?

In one of the most important in conference games in the Big Ten, Michigan State pulled out their 11^th win of the season, defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes, 75-61. The Spartans improve to 2-1 in Big Ten play and are one game behind leader Wisconsin.

This season, the Spartans have shot the ball from three-point land well (40 percent), they lead the Big Ten in rebounding margin (plus eight), they’re fifth in the nation in assist per game and have started to play defense the way Tom Izzo wants them to.

At 11-5, and on a modest two game winning streak, the question becomes: Should we believe in this Michigan State team?

As both a fan and Spartan alumni come May, of course I believe in this team, but, should others? With the shaky start to the season and the other eyebrow raising concerns, there are reasons to believe in this team.

Defense, rebounding, shooting and Tom Izzo. Those four factors have been the staple to Michigan State basketball for a long period of time. But, is it enough?

Here are three reasons why you should believe in this Spartan team and three reasons why you shouldn’t:

Michigan State has finally begun to play the defense fans and Spartans have become accustomed to seeing. Their ninth ranked defense, which is ninth nationally in adjusted efficiency helped them hold Indiana to 28 percent shooting. Being able to hold teams to poor shooting numbers and allowing one shot per possession will carry this team as the season progresses.

Secondly, the Spartans move the ball with the best in the nation. Being able to move the ball efficiently is one of the most important things if any team wants to be successful. Led by Denzel Valentine, Michigan State, is fourth in the nation is assist per game and always find themselves getting quality shots, even when they struggle scoring the ball.

Thirdly, Tom Izzo, being considered one of the best coaches in college basketball does not come easily. With seven Big Ten titles and 17 consecutive appearances in the NCAA tournament, Izzo always brings out the best in his players and always has them playing with a certain toughness.

However, Michigan State still does not have it all together. There are a few things that can plague them come tournament time. Here are three things that can hold the Spartans back:

Two of the things that could serve as the Spartans downfall is one; there is no guy who they can turn to when their offense is struggling. There are stretches during games where this offense cannot buy a basket, which allows teams they should easily beat, hang around.