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Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for home opener vs. WMU

By Connor Muldowney

Nov 9, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gabe Brown (44) reacts after being called for a foul during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Gabe Brown (44) reacts after being called for a foul during the first half against the Kansas Jayhawks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 09: A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the net against Joseph Yesufu #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the State Farm Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 09, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 09: A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the net against Joseph Yesufu #1 of the Kansas Jayhawks during the State Farm Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden on November 09, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

2. AJ Hoggard leads the team in scoring again

If you had “AJ Hoggard leads the team in scoring against Kansas” as one of your prop bets on Tuesday night, you probably made out like a bandit.

No one saw that coming, but the sophomore guard looked like a changed player and has to be considered one of the most improved Spartans for 2021-22. The offseason hype around Hoggard seemed to be legit as he dropped 17 points against Kansas in the opener, scoring at every level. He made a step-back jumper after crossing over a defender, a 3-pointer, and he drove to the bucket and finished strong at the rim.

Everyone was impressed with Hoggard’s performance and if that’s a sign of things to come, Michigan State may just have its next great guard.

Was it a one-hit-wonder performance or is this something we can grow to expect from him? I’m leaning toward the latter and he’ll prove that on Friday night with another big game, leading the team in scoring yet again with 19 points.

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