Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from exhibition win vs. Ferris State

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State's bench reacts to a Spartans 3-pointer against Ferris State during the second half on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.211027 Msu Ferris 177a
Michigan State's bench reacts to a Spartans 3-pointer against Ferris State during the second half on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.211027 Msu Ferris 177a /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Michigan State’s Tyson Walker, right, pressures Ferris State’s Reese McDonald during the second half on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.211027 Msu Ferris 135a
Michigan State’s Tyson Walker, right, pressures Ferris State’s Reese McDonald during the second half on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2021, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.211027 Msu Ferris 135a /

2. The Spartans are active defensively

Another area that looked much more impressive in the opener compared to long stretches last year was the defense. Michigan State was much more active there.

It all starts with the point guard as Tyson Walker proved just why he was considered one of the best defenders in the mid-major ranks a season ago. He stuck to his guy like glue and it’s pretty clear he’s going to be a pest for opponents all season. He’s quick, has active hands, and moves well without fouling. He forced a number of turnovers.

We also saw some solid defense from Gabe Brown, Max Christie, Malik Hall, Marcus Bingham Jr., Mady Sissoko, and pretty much everyone who saw the floor.

There weren’t many easy buckets for Ferris State and it felt like most of its points came from the free-throw line. Michigan State just wasn’t giving up those easy looks like it did last season.

Active hands and a willing defensive effort made a huge difference.

Home/Spartans Basketball