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Michigan State basketball: 3 takeaways from win over Buffalo

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 30: Malik Hall #25 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball during the first half against the Buffalo Bulls at Breslin Center on December 30, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI - DECEMBER 30: Malik Hall #25 of the Michigan State Spartans handles the ball during the first half against the Buffalo Bulls at Breslin Center on December 30, 2022 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State basketball picked up a much-needed win to end the 2022 calendar year as well as non-conference play over Buffalo on Friday night, 89-68.

The Spartans started the game slowly, letting Buffalo hang around, and then the game seemed to be within 10-15 points throughout until a late pull-away ensued. Michigan State went on to pull away late, winning by 21 and getting a nice, comfortable win against a solid MAC opponent heading into the month of January and Big Ten play.

Tom Izzo probably still isn’t happy with some of the sloppy, lazy play, but the Spartans are now 9-4 and have won four straight games. Plus, they’re finally at full strength.

What’d we learn from this win?

3. Malik Hall is a sight for sore eyes

Man, it was nice to see Malik Hall back out there and playing at full strength.

Sure, he only got 12 minutes of action, but he still scored 11 points and was a huge contributor on both ends. The team just runs so much smoother when he’s on the floor. And plus, he drew a ton of attention from Buffalo defenders which led to open shots.

Seeing him out there and making shots like he never left was a sight for sore eyes and when he can play 20-25 minutes per game again, this team should take off.

Let’s just cross our fingers and hope he stays healthy.

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