Michigan State basketball: 3 takeaways from loss to No. 18 Alabama

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Nov 24, 2022; Portland, Oregon, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Tre Holloman (5) shoots a jump shot during the first half against Alabama Crimson Tide forward Noah Clowney (15) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Tre Holloman, Jaxon Kohler showed flashes

If Michigan State is going to be a threat this year in the Big Ten and eventually the NCAA Tournament (knock on wood), the freshmen are going to have to step up and play a vital role.

Fortunately, Michigan State has a chance to play these guys big minutes as Malik Hall and Jaden Akins are both out. That means Jaxon Kohler and Tre Holloman are seeing the floor more than they normally would and on Thursday night, they both showed flashes.

Heck, even Carson Cooper had a couple of nice blocks in the second half.

Holloman looked comfortable running the point, finishing with no turnovers and an assist but he chipped in six points and hit a nice-looking three. He could be a very good player here.

Kohler, too, had some really good moments, including a rebound and turnaround jumper in the first half that caught my attention. He had soft touch around the rim and he’s only going to improve. He looked more comfortable out there, taking eight shots and finishing with six points and seven rebounds.

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