Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from frustrating Purdue loss

Feb 16, 2021; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Joey Hauser (20) looks for an opening around Purdue Boilermakers forward Aaron Wheeler (1) during the second half of the game at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 16, 2021; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Mady Sissoko (22) attempts to block a shot by Purdue Boilermakers forward Trevion Williams (50) during the first half of the game at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Mady Sissoko, Julius Marble were major bright spots

Michigan State has been searching for life in the post all season. They got it in the form of Julius Marble and Mady Sissoko on Tuesday night.

Sissoko was a major spark off the bench but we didn’t see nearly enough of him. He played solid in the first half, putting up five points and four rebounds, but it seemed like Tom Izzo liked other post matchups for some reason and he didn’t see any action in the final 20 minutes. Major head-scratcher there.

As for Marble, he played more than he usually does and he deserved it. He finished with 10 points and three rebounds off the bench and played solid defense on Trevion Williams. He did pick up four fouls and reached in a few times on poor decisions, but he held his own.

What makes these bright spots a little dull is the fact that Izzo didn’t play them more. Sissoko didn’t have a single foul or turnover and looked like he belonged out there and yet he was benched for the entire second half.

That will lead us to our last takeaway.

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