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Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from tight win at Maryland

By Connor Muldowney

COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Malik Hall #25 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with Max Christie #5 after scoring the game winning basket late in the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on February 01, 2022 in College Park, Maryland. Michigan State won the game 65-63. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND - FEBRUARY 01: Malik Hall #25 of the Michigan State Spartans celebrates with Max Christie #5 after scoring the game winning basket late in the second half against the Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center on February 01, 2022 in College Park, Maryland. Michigan State won the game 65-63. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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Feb 1, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Malik Hall (25) makes a move to the basket as Maryland Terrapins forward Donta Scott (24) defends during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2022; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Malik Hall (25) makes a move to the basket as Maryland Terrapins forward Donta Scott (24) defends during the first half at Xfinity Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Malik Hall might be MSU’s best player

I’ve said it a few times this season after Malik Hall has come off the bench to completely take over games, but the junior forward might just be the Spartans’ best player this year.

Once again coming off the bench as the team’s sixth man, Hall was able to lead the team in scoring with 16 points and he had four rebounds on 6-for-12 shooting, making his only 3-point attempt as well. He was a force and a spark off the bench and without him, Michigan State doesn’t win this game — literally.

Hall actually hit the game-winning layup on a beautifully drawn-up play to get him the ball with 1.9 seconds left. He just imposed his will on the way to the hoop for a strong two.

Tom Izzo has to start drawing up plays for Malik like this because it feels like he scores on these more often than not. He’s really improved his overall game and isn’t afraid to put the ball on the floor and take it to the hoop.

Hall has been a consistently solid player for the Spartans — maybe the team’s most consistent player — for weeks now and it’s time to start considering him the best Michigan State has to offer.

All aboard the Malik bandwagon.

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