Michigan State Basketball: 3 keys to victory vs. Davidson in first round

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 12: Julius Marble II #34 and the Michigan State Spartans celebrate a three pointer by Max Christie #5 of the Michigan State Spartans in the game against the Purdue Boilermakers during the Big Ten Championship at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 12, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

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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 /

1. Point Guards have to thrive

Michigan State thrives when their point guards are balling. They falter when they are not. The Spartans need to get their point guards going early. This could be difficult as Walker, according to Izzo, will not be 100% with his ankle injury. Hoggard also had an ankle injury buthe was able to come back in against Purdue and keep the game close.

This is turning into Hoggard’s team and it will be his time to shine in this first game. Last year he played alongside Loyer and the two know each other well. Hoggard has had to defend played like Jaden Ivey and Johnny Davis so he should be able to defend Loyer well. Along with that Hoggard will have big mismatch being 6’4″ and 210 lbs while Loyer is only 6′ and 175 lbs.

Hoggard will need to take advantage of his height advantage and take Loyer to the basket while still protecting the ball. Walker might have a little more of a challenge with his ankle, doing this, but if he can still be competitive and give Hoggard some rest that will go a long way in the Spartans winning this game.

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