Michigan State Basketball: 3 quick thoughts from win over Loyola Chicago

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 17: Gabe Brown #44 of the Michigan State Spartans brings the ball up court during the game against the Butler Bulldogs at Hinkle Fieldhouse on November 17, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

2. Spartans struggle without Gabe Brown

The Spartans started on a 9-0 run, then the sloppiness ensued. With 13 minutes left in the first half, Gabe Brown picked up his second foul and headed for the bench. Even though Brown was not having a huge impact on the scoring end before he went to the bench, his presence still matters.

Brown brings intensity to the floor. His shooting ability helps spread the floor and his quickness is nice to have on the defensive end. However, when the Spartans did not have that in the final 13 minutes of the first half, they struggled.

The Spartans let the Ramblers take control of the game because one of their leaders and captains had to sit on the bench. What a difference Brown’s presence made in the second half.

Brown picked up a third foul early on in the second half but Izzo made the decision to leave his captain and leader on the floor. The energy and intensity Brown brought helped his teammate dig deep and finish strong to come away with the W.

The Spartans need Brown on the floor and the best version of himself each game for them to make a run. If Brown can do that, the other teams in the Big Ten need to look out.

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