Couch: 5 keys for MSU against Oklahoma

1. Winning with pace

Michigan State beat two grind-it-out offensive teams to get to the Sweet 16, forcing turnovers to create pace and executing in the half court at a level unimaginable a month ago. Now the Spartans return to what was their preferred speed for most of this winter against an Oklahoma team willing to be in a track meet. The Spartans can’t forget what got them to this point — efficient, low-turnover basketball and lock-down defense. MSU wants to run, but not let opponents run. That requires shooting a high percentage and emphasizing getting back in transition. That’s an entirely different game than MSU played last weekend. - Read more at LSJ.com