Michigan State basketball: 3 takeaways from blowout win at Ohio State

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Feb 12, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Joey Hauser (10) takes a three point shot as Ohio State Buckeyes forward Brice Sensabaugh (10) defends during the first half at Value City Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

2. This has been a heck of a bounce-back year for Joey Hauser

When the year began, Joey Hauser was one of those X-factor players who needed to take that next step if Michigan State was going to make any noise and he has responded big time.

Near the end of last season, Hauser was starting to heat up and get a lot of confidence back that had been missing for a year. He put the Spartans on his back in an NCAA Tournament win over Davidson and had a big decision to make about whether or not he wanted to come back and go out on top. He opted to return for another year despite his up-and-down career.

Coming back was the best decision he could have made as he’s pieced together a heck of a bounce-back season and he had a huge performance against the Buckeyes.

Hauser scored 22 points on 8-for-13 shooting and he was 6-for-9 from deep. He has shown so much confidence this season and it’s amazing how good he is when he has that.

Without Joey, this team isn’t nearly as good.

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