Michigan State Basketball: 3 takeaways from first-round win over Davidson

Michigan State basketball and Davidson battled back and forth but ultimately the Spartans came out on top. What did we learn?

Down five points late in the second half, Michigan State basketball needed a run to really put Davidson away and the Spartans did just that, going on a 10-0 run which essentially put the game out of reach.

Michigan State went on to win by a point, 74-73, thanks to a late three by Davidson, but clutch free throws and a huge 3-pointer by Gabe Brown with just over five minutes left won this game for the Spartans.

With the win, Michigan State advances to the second round to face No. 2 seed Duke in Coach K’s last NCAA Tournament ever.

What’d we learn from this first-round win by Michigan State?

3. AJ Hoggard is molding into a star

I continue to be impressed with AJ Hoggard’s progress at the point guard position and he was a star for Michigan State yet again on Friday night.

After having his best game as a Spartan in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals in which he had 17 points, 10 assists, and no turnovers, he stepped up to score 14, three rebounds, and two assists with two turnovers. He was an offensive threat and made some big shots down the stretch to make sure the Spartans were able to overcome Davidson.

Hoggard took advantage of his size and kind of bullied Foster Loyer all game long.

If Hoggard continues to grow at such an impressive rate, it won’t be long before he’s the next Spartan great at point guard.