Michigan State Basketball: 3 quick reactions from crushing loss to Illinois

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Michigan State’s Tyson Walker, left, celebrates with Max Christie after Christie was fouled by Illinois on a shot during the first half Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.Syndication Lansing State Journal /

2. Tyson Walker had a breakout game

This is the first time Tyson Walker really came out of his shell. We have not seen him able to score like this all season. Will this be the game that propels him to shoot more and be a little more greedy with his play-making decisions?

Walker was only 1-for-2 from the field in the first half with just two points. In the second half, he was 9-for-10 with 24 points. This was his best performance from Walker in his Spartan career and they need more play like this.

Walker is a crafty point guard who can shoot the deep ball but also get into the lane and drive it for an easy layup. He can also stop on a dime and pull up for the mid-range shot if he needs to.

He has the ability to be a Spartan great point guard he has just been hesitant up until now.

With this kind of performance, will he break out of his shell and find the confidence he has not had all season?

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