Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from third win over Ohio State

Michigan State Basketball: 5 takeaways from Ohio State win in Big Ten tourney

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 15: Xavier Tillman #23 and Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrate after beating the Ohio State Buckeyes 77-70 during the quarterfinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 15, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – FEBRUARY 20: Foster Loyer #3 of the Michigan State Spartans looks to pass the ball while defended by Geo Baker #0 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in the first half at Breslin Center on February 20, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

4. Foster Loyer finally had his coming out party

It’s taken five months, but Foster Loyer finally had his coming out party for the Spartans.

All a player needs to see is that first shot drop. Loyer hadn’t seen that happen since Jan. 13 against Penn State as he was 0-for-6 shooting from the floor heading into Friday’s quarterfinal game against Ohio State. That all changed quickly.

As we later found out, Cassius Winston missed practice this week due to a foot injury he suffered against Michigan and that meant Loyer had to be ready to play big minutes — and he did.

Loyer finished with a career-high 14 points to go along with three assists, two steals and a big drawn charge at the end of the first half. He shot 5-of-7 from the field and 4-for-5 from deep range. He looked like a more confidence player, and that’s exactly what Michigan State needs come NCAA Tournament time to give Winston a breather.

If Loyer can make the 3-pointer consistently and make defenses work to guard him, he’s going to create open looks for teammates.

Welcome to the big time, Foster.

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