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Michigan State Basketball: 5 bold predictions for 2022 NCAA Tournament

By Connor Muldowney

Mar 11, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Tyson Walker (2) dribbles the ball in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Tyson Walker (2) dribbles the ball in the second half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan State’s A.J. Hoggard celebrates a 3-pointer against Purdue during the first half on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.220226 Msu Purdue 121a
Michigan State’s A.J. Hoggard celebrates a 3-pointer against Purdue during the first half on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.220226 Msu Purdue 121a /

4. AJ Hoggard records a 4-1 assist-to-turnover ratio

AJ Hoggard has been on a roll lately. The sophomore point guard from Coatesville, Penn., is fresh off his best game of the season in which he recorded 17 points, 10 assists, and zero turnovers. He was darn-near perfect and was the reason Michigan State had a shot to beat Purdue for the second time this season.

When Hoggard is on his game, Michigan State can hang with anyone. He needs to be on his A-game in the tourney as the Spartans face a tough Davidson team in round one and potentially Duke in the second round which would be the last matchup with Coach K ever.

Taking care of the ball will be paramount.

Hoggard has done an excellent job with turnovers over the past four games, averaging under 1.0 per game. Actually, dating back to Feb. 26, Hoggard hasn’t had more than two turnovers in a single game. He has been much smarter with the rock over the past month and that’s led to much better point guard play. That will continue in the NCAA Tournament.

The sophomore point guard will finish the tournament with a 4-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. It’s not out of the realm of possibility as he has 23 assists to just six turnovers over the past six games.

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