Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from blowout win over Penn State

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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 11: Foster Loyer #3 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket while defended by Troy Baxter Jr #1 of the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles in the first half at Breslin Center on November 11, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

4. Foster Loyer took a step in the right direction

If you came away impressed with Foster Loyer on Sunday evening, you weren’t alone. The freshman backup point guard had one of his best career games and that’s a bright spot that could have serious implications for future play.

Loyer looked to turn a corner on Sunday, showing more aggression with his shot and looking like he belonged — outside of a blocked 3-pointer which showed his pint-sized frame could still cause some hiccups. His height will never be a strength, but he can make up for that with a deadly shot from range and deceptive driving game.

The first-year point guard scored seven points with an assist and two rebounds and had just one turnover in 11 minutes. Moreover, he attempted six shots which was a career-high and his scoring output was his second-best as a Spartan.

Michigan State, namely Cassius Winston, needs him to play 10-12 minutes per game in order to give the junior All-Big Ten candidate some rest.

This was a big step forward for Loyer who didn’t look completely outmatched on the defensive end, either.

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