Spartan Avenue
Fansided

Michigan State Basketball: 3 bold predictions for first-round Davidson battle

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State's A.J. Hoggard celebrates after a play against Purdue during the second half on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.220226 Msu Purdue 229a
Michigan State's A.J. Hoggard celebrates after a play against Purdue during the second half on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.220226 Msu Purdue 229a /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
Mar 11, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) dribbles the ball while Wisconsin Badgers guard Chucky Hepburn (23) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) dribbles the ball while Wisconsin Badgers guard Chucky Hepburn (23) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

1. AJ Hoggard wins battle with Foster Loyer, leads MSU to win

I’ve mentioned this a few times already, but AJ Hoggard could play the role of hero against Davidson and it’s because he has one of the most important matchups.

Hoggard will be matched up with Davidson’s leading scorer and former teammate and backcourt mate Foster Loyer. He has a distinct size advantage here and he’s improved his quickness this season and his decision-making has also gotten much better in recent weeks so this is going to be a critical matchup.

The sophomore point guard is going to win his battle with Loyer on both ends of the floor, finishing with 10 points, seven assists, and a turnover while holding the former Spartan in check with nine points. This is going to be a huge positional victory for MSU.

And it’s going to lead to a Michigan State win in round one, advancing to the Round of 32 to face Duke on Sunday.

Next. 5 bold predictions for 2022 NCAA Tournament. dark

Home/Spartans Basketball