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Michigan State basketball: Report card for big win over Michigan

By Connor Muldowney

EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 07: Head coach Tom Izzo reacts while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 07, 2023 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 59-53. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 07: Head coach Tom Izzo reacts while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Breslin Center on January 07, 2023 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan State won the game 59-53. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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Michigan State’s A.J. Hoggard celebrates after scoring a layup over Michigan’s Kobe Bufkin during the second half on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.230107 Msu Mich Bball 143a
Michigan State’s A.J. Hoggard celebrates after scoring a layup over Michigan’s Kobe Bufkin during the second half on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.230107 Msu Mich Bball 143a /

AJ Hoggard: A

The best player on the court for the Spartans on Saturday was AJ Hoggard.

I said it a couple of times throughout the game: Hoggard looked like Cassius Winston-lite against the Wolverines. We all remember how Cassius torched Michigan throughout his career and seemed to play his best games against the Wolverines. It felt like Hoggard fed off the rivalry and rose to the occasion against Michigan when the rest of the offense was stagnant.

Plus, Hoggard made a few Cassius-like shots that brought back good memories. He hit a couple of “how did he make that?” shots and really put the team on his back.

Hoggard finished with 15 points, six assists, four rebounds, and two steals with just one turnover and he shot 6-for-10 from the floor and made his lone 3-point attempt.

His defense also made a difference on the defensive side of the ball, frustrating Jett Howard all afternoon long.

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