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Stats don’t lie: Louisville basketball one of five teams capable of winning it all

By Presley Meyer

David Johnson #13 of the Louisville Cardinals (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
David Johnson #13 of the Louisville Cardinals (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 29: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after a second half three point basket while playing the Northwestern Wildcats at the Breslin Center on January 29, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 79-50. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 29: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after a second half three point basket while playing the Northwestern Wildcats at the Breslin Center on January 29, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 79-50. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Michigan State

Adjusted offensive efficiency: 15

Adjusted defensive efficiency: 19

2019-20 has been a wild ride for the final team in the 20-20 club, Michigan State. The Spartans’ athletic department as a whole has been a hot mess, but much like Louisville, Kansas, and Baylor (another team to come on our list) none of that seems to matter when it comes to the play on the floor. Business as usual.

Just like last season when the Spartans appeared on this list and went on to yet another final four, their style of play isn’t the prettiest, but it lends towards being extremely effective in the postseason.

It all starts with another common theme among the five teams on this list- a leader who is a Wooden Award finalist. This time, it’s senior Cassius Winston for the Spartans. The guard suffered a heartbreaking loss of his brother early in the season, yet his play has been sensational throughout. His 18.5 points, six assists, and steady demeanor carry a team who has struggled in big games at times this season.

In the frontcourt, Xavier Tillman anchors the center and chips in 13 points and 10 rebounds as an undersized big for the Spartans.

Outside of their two stars, freshman guard Rocket Watts is a player to watch. Since being inserted into the starting lineup, Watts has been sensational, using his length and athleticism to completely change the offense for Sparty.

State has dropped seven games already this season, but that has been primarily due to their inability to make big shots when they need it the most. Only two of their losses have been by double digits. and both to quality opponents.

Meanwhile, MSU boasts wins over Iowa, Michigan, and Seton Hall. In a tough Big Ten Conference, they are still right in the thick of things.

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