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Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from huge win over No. 16 Rutgers

By Connor Muldowney

Jan 5, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (0) gets defended by Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Montez Mathis (10) during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2021; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Aaron Henry (0) gets defended by Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Montez Mathis (10) during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State’s A.J. Hoggard, left, is pressured by Rutgers’ Myles Johnson, center, and Geo Baker during the first half on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.210105 Msu Rutgers 033a
Michigan State’s A.J. Hoggard, left, is pressured by Rutgers’ Myles Johnson, center, and Geo Baker during the first half on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.210105 Msu Rutgers 033a /

3. The team looks more balanced with AJ Hoggard at point

Let’s face it, having a natural two-guard like Rocket Watts run the point was not working. Nor was having Foster Loyer play 20-plus minutes per game. The Spartans needed an answer to their woes at the point guard position after a three-game losing streak and AJ Hoggard has been that.

Not only does Hoggard do a better job on the defensive end than people expected, he’s just a more confident option at the one.

Hoggard didn’t score much — just three points — but he had a massive effect on the win. He made smart passes, pushed the ball with minimal mistakes and had six assists. He kept things flowing all night and the team was able to ease back into normalcy with him worrying about point guard duties.

That meant more Rocket at the two, more Josh Langford running off screens for open shots and more Aaron Henry getting the ball on the wing with chances to create.

Keep feeding Hoggard starters minutes.

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