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Michigan State basketball: 3 takeaways from close win over Iowa

By Connor Muldowney

Michigan State's Tyson Walker, center, celebrates after Malik Hall's dunk against Iowa during the first half on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at the Breslin Center in Lansing.230126 Msu Iowa Bball 071aSyndication Lansing State Journal
Michigan State's Tyson Walker, center, celebrates after Malik Hall's dunk against Iowa during the first half on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at the Breslin Center in Lansing.230126 Msu Iowa Bball 071aSyndication Lansing State Journal /
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Michigan State’s Malik Hall, left, moves past Iowa’s Filip Rebraca during the second half on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at the Breslin Center in Lansing.
Michigan State’s Malik Hall, left, moves past Iowa’s Filip Rebraca during the second half on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at the Breslin Center in Lansing. /

2. This team is different with Malik Hall

Michigan State played one of its worst games of the year and yet it was able to pick up a win over a high-powered offensive squad in Iowa.

A major reason for that? Malik Hall.

The senior forward returned after a foot injury against Illinois about two weeks ago and he didn’t miss a beat. He played 25 minutes and scored 11 points with four assists and three rebounds off the bench. He was 4-for-8 from the floor and played great defense throughout. Plus, Iowa just couldn’t guard Hall as he was able to get to the hoop basically whenever he wanted.

When Hall is healthy, this team is so much more difficult to beat. The Spartans likely don’t beat Iowa if Hall doesn’t play.

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