Senior Writer Mike Lucas offered his observations from Wisconsin's 77-76 win over Michigan State at the Kohl Center. Get it straight from the source by following @LucasAtLarge on Twitter.

Take a hit. Absorb contact. Finish at the rim. That was the emphasis in practice with blocking pad drills. Paid dividends in win over MSU

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) January 17, 2016

Few will associate full court pressure with UW hoops. But Happ/Iverson double-team pinned Harris in corner(baseline-sideline) & forced TO

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) January 17, 2016

Early scoring of Hayes & Koenig set the tone on offense. Both attacked, especially Hayes, and fouls added up to a big negative for Spartans

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) January 17, 2016

Little things, role playing part of success formula in finally winning close game. Team stuck together for 40 minutes through thick & thin

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) January 17, 2016

Postgame comments reflected confidence of players in product. Convinced they're much better than the record reflects which is part of battle

— Mike Lucas (@LucasAtLarge) January 17, 2016