Michigan State basketball: 3 takeaways from upset of No. 4 Kentucky

Michigan State basketball: 3 takeaways from massive win over No. 4 Kentucky

Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) yells in excitement Tuesday, Nov 15, 2022 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Michigan State Spartans lead at the half agains the Kentucky Wildcats, 36-34.Ncaa Basketball Uk Vs Michigan State Hoops Michigan State Spartans At University Of Kentucky Wildcats /

2 of 3

Nov 15, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Mady Sissoko (22) pushes against Kentucky Wildcats forward Lance Ware (55) during the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Mady Sissoko’s improvement has been remarkable

Has there been a more improved player on this year’s team than Mady Sissoko? The dude has been flat-out balling for two straight games and he didn’t exactly play poorly in the exhibition or against Northern Arizona.

Sissoko held a player of the year candidate in check for the most part and while Oscar Tshiebwe did finish with 22 points and 18 rebounds, it took him 17 shots to hit that. Mady was playing great defense on him all night long which followed up a great performance against Drew Timme just a few short days ago.

Mady has now shown that he can defend the nation’s best bigs and also put up some numbers of his own, finishing with 16 points and eight rebounds. He looked fantastic all night.

The improvement from Mady this offseason has been remarkable and he’s going to legitimately contend for an All-Big Ten spot if he continues to play like this.

Home/Spartans Basketball