Michigan State basketball’s bench play was key in upset of No. 2 Michigan

Despite all the talk of Joshua Langford and Aaron Henry, it was Michigan State basketball’s bench that fueled an upset win over No. 2 Michigan.

With the work ethic that Tom Izzo possesses, a few days between games can feel like an eternity, especially if he’s in the lab dissecting an opponent that is unlucky enough to play his team twice in a row. For a leader of his caliber who combs through film obsessively and is notorious for burning the midnight oil to make adjustments, putting together a phenomenal game plan is second nature. After all, he’s done it well over 600 times (and before we know it, he’ll reach the 700 career-win milestone).

Foes should always feel uneasy lining up opposite Michigan State as long as the mad scientist — who has created a monster of a program with blue blood running through its veins — is their fearless general roaming the sidelines.

Izzo’s best decision of the weekend was to let his reserves loose and they feasted on the second-ranked Wolverines all evening on Sunday. He rode his bench to a 70-64 victory in what very well may have stamped Michigan State’s golden ticket to the NCAA tournament.

In a span of 13 days, Michigan State remarkably secured three wins against top-5 teams (Illinois followed by Ohio State then Michigan). That trio of upsets sparkle on their NCAA tournament resume and is an accomplishment that no other team in the nation can claim.

Julius Marble once again had more fouls than points (2-1) and A.J. Hoggard went scoreless as his struggles continued. But Joey Hauser and Marcus Bingham Jr. were terrific in relief of Marble while Rocket Watts was a man on a mission when he spelled Hoggard.

Hauser set the tone early by scoring nine first-half points. Bingham Jr. was incredibly active and strong rebounding the basketball with a team-high eight boards (he also chipped in five points) and his length gave Michigan center Hunter Dickinson problems. Watts played 33 fantastic minutes with arguably his best game (considering what was at stake) to date as a Spartan with a 21-point, four-rebound, four-assist performance that was highlighted by his shot-creating abilities, tenacious defense and athleticism.

The response from Watts after being benched for the final 17 minutes of their last loss to Michigan speaks to his resolve and character. He didn’t blame the coaching staff. He was upset with himself and was determined to make amends for his mistakes, lack of hustle and poor grit. Most players would have mentally folded or lingered in the doghouse but Watts rose to the occasion and delivered when so much was on the line. This was the Watts we saw go on a tear during the final seven regular season games last year (while averaging north of 14 points per game over that stretch) to help seal a Big Ten title for Michigan State.

The Spartan bench more than doubled their production from their most recent game (41-20) and that proved to be the difference. The superb subs won them this game against their bitter rivals. This must have pleased Aaron Henry who has carried the Spartans game after game. When Henry gets some help, it’s clear just how dangerous this team can be.

In late February, it was Joshua Langford and Gabe Brown who provided Henry with some support. On Sunday, Watts and Hauser stepped up. Without the unbelievable game from Watts, Michigan State does not win and potentially doesn’t get invited to the “big dance”.

Watts stated that his mother being in the stands gave him “mad energy” and it was evident that the junior combo guard was engaged from the second he stepped foot on the floor. He played with toughness and intensity. He and Bingham Jr., who are from Detroit and Grand Rapids, respectively, played fantastic. With them both being in-state guys, this game means a great deal to them, and surely inspired them to dig deep and leave it all out there on the court. This pair wanted it badly — more than any Wolverine did.