How Nick Ward turned Michigan State fast break into 'an oiled machine'

MSU coach Tom Izzo reacts after his team's 104-83 win over Green Bay on Dec. 16, 2018 at Breslin Center. Chris Solari, Detroit Free Press

(Photo: Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press)EAST LANSING — The Green Bay Phoenix finally could exhale. A layup by Sandy Cohen III ended an 8½-minute scoring drought.

The breather lasted 2 seconds.

Kenny Goins pulled the ball from the net and flipped it in to Cassius Winston. Michigan State’s point guard went the length of the court in five dribbles over 6 seconds, slithered through the lane and banked in a leaning layup.

After the Phoenix answered with another bucket, Goins again tossed the ball back in play. Winston caught it and immediately flicked it…