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Michigan State Basketball: 3 post-game thoughts from EMU win

By Carter Landis

Nov 25, 2020; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo raises his arms during the first 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 head coach Tom Izzo raises his arms during the first 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) /

3. Has Foster Loyer really taken that next step?

No one is more crucial to the success of Michigan State basketball than Foster Loyer.

After Tom Izzo named Loyer the starting point guard over Rocket Watts, it’s obvious now that this team goes where he goes.

Last season, Loyer did not prove to be a positive in the rare moments he got on the court when Cassius Winston would briefly leave the game. He would never have any confidence, and he would often not make the play he needed to. He did not take the open shot despite being a great shooter.

But Wednesday night looked like an entirely different Loyer. He exuded confidence on the court, scoring a career-high 20 points on 6-10 from three-point range, 17 of those points coming in the first half. Loyer was on fire and could not miss for most of the game, which is just what the Spartans needed against the EMU zone. He also had two assists along with two rebounds.

If we can continue to see this Loyer produce, this Michigan State team will go far. From this game alone, it looks like we’re seeing a smarter, sharper, more confident No. 3. Everyone, get on your surfboard and ride the New Foster Loyer Wave.

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