Michigan State basketball: 3 takeaways from huge win at No. 18 Wisconsin

MADISON, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 10: Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket on Max Klesmit #11 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half at Kohl Center on January 10, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - JANUARY 10: Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans drives to the basket on Max Klesmit #11 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half at Kohl Center on January 10, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 10: A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans goes in for a score during the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kohl Center on January 10, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN – JANUARY 10: A.J. Hoggard #11 of the Michigan State Spartans goes in for a score during the first half against the Wisconsin Badgers at Kohl Center on January 10, 2023 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

2. Guard play led the way yet again

The best teams in college basketball usually have one thing in common: they have elite guard play. Michigan State is proving to have just that as the guards led the way in another big win.

While Michigan State didn’t play its best game, the Spartans’ guards combined for 35 points and nine assists with seven turnovers. They also combined to shoot for 11-for-25 from the floor and 5-for-8 from deep.

Michigan State’s guard play made the difference throughout the game.

Jaden Akins utilized his athletic advantage to score 12 points, Tyson Walker played really well and found ways to get open constantly, and AJ Hoggard flexed his muscle down the stretch to score six clutch points to put the game away for the Spartans.

If Michigan State’s guards play this well for the remainder of the season, there aren’t many teams in the Big Ten that’ll be able to beat the Spartans.