Michigan State Basketball: Report card for gutsy win at Seton Hall

Bench

So this is apparently Malik Hall’s world and we are all just living in it. The Spartans’ reserves were relatively quiet outside of the freshman forward who had the best game of his young career. Is this a sign of things to come?

Gabe Brown: B+

As someone who doesn’t get enough credit, Gabe Brown is quietly putting together quite the year as the team’s sixth man. He played 23 minutes, had seven points, four rebounds, an assist and a block and his defense continues to improve. He shoots it well, too, making 3-of-6 shots and 1-for-3 from long range. His mid-range game is Josh Langford-esque and he provided yet another solid scoring punch off the pine.

Malik Hall: A

What more can we say about this kid? Malik Hall was an absolute monster against the Pirates and it was his first time playing extended minutes. He finished with 19 minutes off the bench and scored 17 points with five rebounds and a steal, making 7-of-7 shots and 3-of-3 from 3-point range. Although he missed a pair of free throws, he was exactly what the offense needed in the second half and he even scored the game-winning bucket. Malik carved out a role for himself.

Kyle Ahrens: C

We didn’t see the best from ol’ Kyle Ahrens on Thursday. He made some questionable mistakes and was held scoreless in 12 minutes. He had three turnovers, a foul and two rebounds. He just didn’t look his best and would probably tell you he should have done more.

Foster Loyer: B

Foster Loyer actually provided some good minutes at the end of the first half. When Cassius picked up his second foul, Loyer went in for an extended period, playing about the last eight minutes of the first half and he scored five points with a steal, a rebound and an assist. He did a decent job on defense and never looked completely out-matched. If he can come in and provide some quality minutes at point, Michigan State won’t be as frazzled with Cassius out.

Marcus Bingham Jr.: C-

Unfortunately, we didn’t see much of Marcus Bingham Jr. against the Pirates, and that’s OK because Seton Hall’s bigs were just a little overpowering for a slight-of-frame guy like him. He played three minutes and was 0-for-2 from the floor and 0-for-1 from deep. He did have a rebound, but you could tell he just didn’t have the muscle to defend or score around the rim.