Michigan State beats Michigan and positions itself for the B1G title

It was a massive victory for Tom Izzo and Michigan State.

This should also be a huge gulf of confidence for the Spartans, who have found a way to get rid of three games against their biggest rival – on the road. Michigan had more than 200 former basketball players on Sunday, including members of its team for the 1989 championship, and everything was set for a party.

But Cassius Winston (27 points) and the Spartans ruined him.

How is Michigan bouncing?

Michigan's offensive problems have not gone away. This has been a problem for most of the year 2019, and has included extended scorching droughts and an inability not only to make blows but also to have open air.

Michigan (24-4, 13-4) started the second half with some confidence and took a 51-45 lead. And then he's completely collapsed.

[ Michigan comes up empty in second half vs. MSU. Here’s why ]

John Beilein spoke earlier in the week after a win in Minnesota: Michigan must be more consistent with basketball. Charles Matthews and Jordan Poole have been offensive, and this team does not have enough pure shooters to get out of the funk.

The Wolverines played their worst defensive game of the season on Sunday afternoon. A lot of that had to do with Winston and Michigan State. But a lot of things had to do with the Wolverines.

The Michigan bid for a Big Ten title is not over. But the Wolverines must regroup quickly while the road matches will take place in Maryland and Michigan State. His attack must also be better against the best teams in the league.

A year ago at the same time, Michigan was in full swing. Now? Michigan is an excellent defensive team without much offensive punch. This is not a good recipe, even if there is still time to do everything well.

Is Cassius Winston the Big Ten POY?

It looks like that.

Winston's struggles against Michigan and, in particular, leader Zavier Simpson have been well documented. Sunday, however, he was the best player on the field. He perfectly controlled the game of baseball and the man who did everything to create Michigan State.

February 24, 2019; Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Michigan goalie Charles Matthews (1) and Michigan State Spartans (Cassius Winston) (5) attack the ball in the first half at the Crisler Center. Credit required: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports (Photo11: Rick Osentoski, Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)

Simpson spent time chasing Winston early in the race, who was selective with his shots and knew the ball enough to make sure that MSU kept things going at breakneck speed in the half-court.

He regularly entered the hallway and found open shooters as Michigan collapsed to take him away. Kenny Goins (16 points, 11 rebounds) had a huge day. Matt McQuaid (13 and 5) made some serious shots.

But Winston was everything for Michigan State at the height of the season. He did it with a crewed crew on the road against a rival and a raging mob.

If there is a more deserving player for the Big Ten Player of the year than Winston, I'd like to see him.