Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from thumping of Northwestern

Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from blowout win over Northwestern

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 29: Cassius Winston #5 of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after a second half three point basket while playing the Northwestern Wildcats at the Breslin Center on January 29, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 79-50. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 29: Foster Loyer #3 of the Michigan State Spartans drives past 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) /

2. Foster Loyer provided a spark off the bench

When you think of guards off the bench who would provide a spark, you’d probably think of Rocket Watts, but Foster Loyer filled that role nicely on Wednesday night.

Watts didn’t have his best game shooting the ball, going just 1-for-7 from the floor and his three offensive fouls kept him on the bench for longer than he would have hoped. That would have killed this team normally, but Loyer played extensively and he shot 4-for-6 from the floor and all of his shots were from distance.

Finishing with 12 points and four assists with no turnovers off the bench was a huge development for Michigan State because it showed that he can be a nice fill-in when Cassius Winston needs a break or Watts is in foul trouble.

While he may not score 12 points every time he’s on the floor, he can shoot the ball well and didn’t hesitate when he was open — that’s a huge confidence-booster.

Loyer took a step in the right direction against Northwestern.

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