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Michigan State Basketball: Positives and negatives from EMU win

By Jack Williams

Nov 25, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Marcus Bingham Jr. (30) celebrates with forward Aaron Henry (0) during the second half against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 25, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Marcus Bingham Jr. (30) celebrates with forward Aaron Henry (0) during the second half against the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 25: Foster Loyer #3 of the Michigan State Spartans passes the ball while defended by Bryce McBride #4 of the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Breslin Center on November 25, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – NOVEMBER 25: Foster Loyer #3 of the Michigan State Spartans passes the ball while defended by Bryce McBride #4 of the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Breslin Center on November 25, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

The positives

Despite the scoreline being close, there were plenty of positive takeaways from this game. In fact, one of the more surprising parts of the game was the emergence of point guard Foster Loyer. After hearing about Loyer as a starter prior to the game, many MSU fans were stuck wondering why. Rocket Watts finished the season strong while Loyer struggling to the end.

But that was quickly silenced as Loyer couldn’t stop hitting threes en route to a new career-high with 20 points. He wasn’t Cassius, but he did everything we could have asked of him and more in the game against Eastern Michigan. He had only two assists, a number that would be lead by veteran guard Aaron Henry.

Assists were spread throughout the team, with 10 individual players gathering at least one. This was, in all likelihood, a result of strong shooting that is rare for a Michigan State team this early in the season. Between Loyer and Gabe Brown, the guards combined to convert 10 of their 16 three point attempts.

The last bit of positivity from the game came extremely late. After checking in for the first time in the green and white, Mady Sissoko instantly made an impact on the defensive end of the floor. In garbage time alone, he swatted away two shots, nearly sending one into the nosebleeds. He had some struggles offensively, but looked like a promising rim defender in his first game.

Also worth noting that despite not having a huge impact on the floor, Josh Langford looked healthy and agile in his first game in a couple of years. He should get more comfortable on the floor as the season continues and come into his own if he can avoid injuries.

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