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Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from much-needed win over Nebraska

By Connor Muldowney

Jan 2, 2021; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (0) looks to pass against Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Yvan Ouedraogo (24) and guard Dalano Banton (45) in the first half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2021; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (0) looks to pass against Nebraska Cornhuskers forward Yvan Ouedraogo (24) and guard Dalano Banton (45) in the first half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State basketball needed a win in the worst way on Saturday night and Nebraska stood in the way. What did we learn from this win?

Defense was at a premium on Saturday night as Michigan State held on to beat Nebraska 84-77 after building a big second-half lead and watching as Teddy Allen tried to single-handedly chip away at it.

Michigan State was up seven at the half and then came out in the second half to extend that lead to 52-35 and it looked like the Spartans were just going to run away with a blowout win. That didn’t quite happen and it’s clear that nothing is going to come easy for this team this season.

Nebraska made things interesting, but the Spartans didn’t let Nebraska get within four points the entire second half as they picked up their first Big Ten win of the season.

What’d we learn from this much-needed win?

3. This team is better with AJ Hoggard at point

It’s pretty clear that this team plays better, moves the ball more and gets more easy shots with AJ Hoggard at the point. This isn’t a jab at Foster Loyer nor Rocket Watts, but more so just praise for Hoggard who plays with aggressiveness and doesn’t look like a freshman out there.

Hoggard didn’t need to do a lot of scoring against Nebraska — just four points — but he had five assists and played solid defense with two blocks. It’s nice to have a bigger body out there at the point guard spot who can D up stronger, quicker guys.

Tom Izzo was obviously as impressed with Hoggard as fans were after a loss to Minnesota, giving him the start over Rocket and Loyer.

If Michigan State wants to raise its ceiling and turn things around this season, Hoggard needs to be the starter and play 20-25 minutes per game at the point.

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