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Michigan State Basketball: Player grades for thrashing of Illinois

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 2: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after sinking a three-point shot against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at Breslin Center on January 2, 2020, in East Lansing, Michigan. Winston scored 21 points in a 76-56 win. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - JANUARY 2: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates after sinking a three-point shot against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half at Breslin Center on January 2, 2020, in East Lansing, Michigan. Winston scored 21 points in a 76-56 win. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) /
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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 29: Foster Loyer #3 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball while defended by B. Artis White #3 of the Western Michigan Broncos in the first half at Breslin Center on December 29, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 29: Foster Loyer #3 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball while defended by B. Artis White #3 of the Western Michigan Broncos in the first half at Breslin Center on December 29, 2019 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

Bench

All eyes were on how Foster Loyer would follow up his 16-point performance against Western Michigan and he didn’t fare all that poorly. We also saw Rocket Watts play well, but the bench was quiet for the most part.

Rocket Watts: B+

I continue to be impressed with Rocket. The freshman guard not only takes the ball up the court with smooth handles, but he’s not afraid to hunt for his own shot. He was 3-for-8 from the floor with six points and he added three rebounds and an assist with no turnovers. He looked a little hobbled, but I think he’s just getting his legs back after missing time.

Foster Loyer: B

Foster is gaining some confidence in his shot as he showed once again on Thursday, making another 3-pointer and not hesitating with an open look. He had seven points, two assists and no turnovers and he got a couple of questionable fouls, but he showed that he can provide a scoring touch off the bench. If he hits that deep shot consistently, watch out.

Thomas Kithier: C+

Although Thomas Kithier didn’t have his best game, he still did a decent job slowing Illinois’ bigs when he was in the game. He caught a few elbows to the face and was on the wrong end of a few foul calls but he held his own and finished with a couple of rebounds and no points. He ran the fast-break well, too, but Cassius Winston didn’t want to force the ball late in the game.

Kyle Ahrens: C

We didn’t see much of Kyle Ahrens in this one, especially after going down hard after a half-court buzzer-beater attempt, and he didn’t have a major impact when he was in there, either. He made 1-of-3 free throws and had a rebound, but he was very quiet.

Next. 3 takeaways from Michigan State's win over Illinois. dark

Malik Hall: C

Like Ahrens, Malik Hall had a quiet game, but he also recorded a couple of silly fouls right when he saw the floor. He seems to have the Kenny Goins disease where he picks up a couple of quick fouls every time he’s on the floor, but he’ll get better on defense with time. He played four minutes and had three fouls.

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