Michigan State basketball: 3 takeaways from tight win over Michigan

Jan 7, 2023; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard A.J. Hoggard (11) celebrates a big basket that forced the Michigan Wolverines to call a second half time out at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 3

Michigan State’s A.J. Hoggard celebrates after a score against Michigan during the second half on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.230107 Msu Mich Bball 138a /

1. AJ Hoggard can carry this team to greatness

When I was watching the offense struggle on Saturday, I was waiting for one guy to step up and carry the load. That guy was AJ Hoggard.

While Tyson Walker and Malik Hall each had solid games, Hoggard was the best player on the floor and continued to make big shot after big shot as well as solid passes and minimal mistakes all game long. Hoggard finished with 15 points, six assists, and four steals with just one turnover. He was the spark that the team needed.

Even when guys like Joey Hauser, Mady Sissoko, or Jaden Akins are off offensively, Hoggard can step up and shoulder the load. Michigan State played rather poorly but it won because of how well Hoggard played.

Michigan is on a little run to get back into the game? Don’t worry, Hoggard will hit a big shot to capture the momentum back and kickstart an MSU run.

If Hoggard is on his game, he can carry this team. We saw that on Saturday afternoon.

Next. 5 bold predictions for MSU basketball in January. dark

Home/Spartans Basketball