Michigan State Basketball: Aaron Henry plays hero in Ohio State upset

Michigan State basketball desperately needed a leader when the poor play began and Aaron Henry has answered the challenge for a third straight game.

The game looked to be over. Duane Washington missed a big 3-pointer near the end of regulation and Aaron Henry soared for the game-clinching rebound with Michigan State up by three.

And then the whistle blew. The refs called a foul on Aaron Henry which was questionable, to say the least, and gave Ohio State two big free throws to make it a one-point game with just under 20 seconds left. Henry and Langford were in disbelief.

About a minute earlier, Henry hit the biggest shot of the game, a mid-range jumper to give the Spartans a three-point lead which was their biggest of the half. It seemed like the dagger.

He responded by grabbing what should have been the game-clinching rebound over a couple of bigger Ohio State forwards. Even though it didn’t count, it showed just how badly he wanted it.

It showed how much of a leader he’s become.

A few weeks ago, that type of play would have ended in an offensive rebound for Ohio State and a put-back bucket to make it a one-point game. Henry has grown so much since then and his leadership has become palpable. His teammates are feeding off it. He’s becoming that guy Michigan State needs down the stretch as it hunts for an improbable NCAA Tournament berth.

A few weeks ago, I would have told you that Michigan State was going to miss the tournament because it didn’t have leadership and now Henry is the reason the Spartans have a chance.

Besides delivering great quotes following games and leading vocally, he’s leading by example and playing the best basketball of his career. He scored 18 on 7-for-11 shooting against the Buckeyes and over the past three wins (all upsets), Henry is averaging 21.7 points, five rebounds, just under four assists and he’s a red-hot 50 percent from the floor.

Why might Michigan State shock everyone and make the NCAA Tournament? Aaron Henry.