Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from uninspired loss at Michigan

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ANN ARBOR, MI – FEBRUARY 08: Marcus Bingham Jr. #30 of the Michigan State Spartans battle for position against Austin Davis #51 of the Michigan Wolverines in the first half of the game at Crisler Arena on February 8, 2020 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

2. Sophomores were major no-shows

When you hit the road for a big rivalry game, you expect your veteran players to step up. Cassius Winston and Xavier Tillman were fine, but not great, but the sophomore are basically upperclassmen on this young team. And they didn’t show up on Saturday.

Aaron Henry continued his confusing season with 11 points, nine rebounds and a couple of steals on 3-for-8 shooting. He played well but the rest of his 2019 class teammates did not.

In fact, Gabe Brown was non-existent, finishing 0-for-5 from the floor and 0-for-3 from deep. He had two rebounds but was passive on offense and didn’t even look to put the ball on the floor which we were promised he’d do more of this season — he has the potential to be a driving threat. He played timid and it showed.

Foster Loyer came off the bench for 10 minutes and had no points, missing his only shot which was an open 3-pointer and he also had four fouls.

Marcus Bingham Jr. was 0-for-2 and had a couple of rebounds in limited action.

Lastly, Thomas Kithier was out again.

This group of sophomore who were supposed to make a jump this season finished the game 3-for-14 from the floor

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