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Michigan State basketball: 3 reasons Spartans will win 2023 Big Ten Tournament

By Connor Muldowney

COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 12: Jaden Akins #3 of the Michigan State Spartans talks with Tyson Walker #2 during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Jerome Schottenstein Center on February 12, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. Michigan State defeated Ohio State 62-41. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - FEBRUARY 12: Jaden Akins #3 of the Michigan State Spartans talks with Tyson Walker #2 during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at the Jerome Schottenstein Center on February 12, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. Michigan State defeated Ohio State 62-41. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 18: Jaden Akins #3 and Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans react after a first half play while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 18, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 18: Jaden Akins #3 and Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans react after a first half play while playing the Michigan Wolverines at Crisler Arena on February 18, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

1. Elite guard play

What sets the best teams apart in March? Elite guard play. What does Michigan State currently have? Elite guard play.

The Spartans have one of the best backcourts in all of college basketball, led by AJ Hoggard, Tyson Walker, and Jaden Akins. That trio have been one of the driving factors to a top-four finish in the Big Ten standings and they’re currently playing their best basketball of the season.

Walker is playing like senior Travis Trice this season and he looks like the most confident player on the court at all times. He’s one of the best guards in the Big Ten and was named to the All-Big Ten second team.

Hoggard is also having his best stretch of basketball, averaging over 17 points per game over his last three and he has 21 assists to just two turnovers over his past two games. He’s also looking to be more aggressive offensively which has paid off.

Lastly, Akins has officially broken out and he’s playing his best basketball as a Spartan, averaging over 17 points per game over his last three. He’s shooting 71 percent from 3-point range in that span — no, that’s not a typo.

The best guards will win the Big Ten. Michigan State has the best guards.

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

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