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Michigan State Basketball: 3 different Spartans star in each Big Ten tourney game

By Carlos Araoz

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 11: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after a play in the game against the Wisconsin Badgers during the Big Ten Championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 11, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 11: Head coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans reacts after a play in the game against the Wisconsin Badgers during the Big Ten Championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 11, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State’s Max Christie shoots a free throw after an Indiana technical foul during the second half on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.220212 Msu Indiana Bball 176a
Michigan State’s Max Christie shoots a free throw after an Indiana technical foul during the second half on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.220212 Msu Indiana Bball 176a /

Game 1: Max Christie

The fantastic first-year shooting guard validated his selection as a member of the all-conference freshmen team. Max Christie exploded for 16 points and six rebounds against Maryland. He was a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the 3-point line.

His length enables him to be efficient when attacking the rim and his mid-range game is extremely polished for a player as young as he is. If he can bump his accuracy clip from long distance up closer to the 40 percent mark (he’s hitting 32 percent of his tries from deep) and if he can bulk up to north of 200 pounds (he’s walking around at 190 now) to be able to make the leap from a good to elite defender as well as finish better through contact, his ascension will be fast-tracked. He’s a superstar in the making.

Honorable Mention: Fellow freshman Jaden Akins gave Tom Izzo 15 minutes against the Terps. He buried two key threes, delivered a beautiful entry pass for a Malik Hall score in the paint (on a seal on the right block), and hauled in a few important rebounds.

Maryland’s senior backcourt scored a combined 37 points but thanks to the defense of Akins and his perimeter mates, Eric Ayala and Fatts Russell needed to hoist up 32 shot attempts to do it. He provided the Spartans with a huge lift off the bench and as usual, giving MSU terrific energy when his number was called. This pair of underclassmen are the future of the program.

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