Checking in with MSU basketball

I watched the replay of the MSU/Minnesota game, since I didn't see it live, and I was impressed with the way the Spartans played in the second half. Given all the injuries the team has had, it was amazing to see Gary Harris, Keith Appling, Adriean Payne, Derrick Nix, Branden Dawson, and Denzel Valentine all play so well AT THE SAME TIME. It was yet another gritty performance from this team. Still, I'm concerned about the injuries and lack of depth and how it will affect the rest of the season. Travis Trice is key to their success, and he hasn't been completely healthy since November and is still out of action. Somehow, the bench players have to step up. I was encouraged to see Matt Costello make a contribution in the Minnesota game, but Alex Gauna and Russell Byrd are still missing-in-action. With Nix, Payne, and Dawson playing so well, and Costello pitching in when needed, Gauna's lack of productivity may not be that much of an issue. But the lack of depth and injury issues in the backcourt are troubling.