Michigan State basketball: 3 likes and dislikes from Marquette win

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COLUMBUS, OHIO – MARCH 19: Tyson Walker #2 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots the ball against the Marquette Golden Eagles during the first half in the second round game of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Nationwide Arena on March 19, 2023 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Like: Didn’t shoot well, but still won the game

The numbers were ugly: 2-for-16, 12.5 percent, 26.9 percent lower than their season long average. But not a problem for the third-best 3-point shooting team in the nation. Marquette should be thanking their lucky stars MSU wasn’t their average shooting team or this would have been done early.

But when the long ball isn’t landing, the Spartans did what you are supposed to do: drive to the basket. MSU shot 57 percent from 2-point land and made a staggering 82.6 percent of their free throws.

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Also, how long has Joey Hauser been able to score off the dribble (*chef’s kiss*)? Kansas State is in for a long night if they let Hauser keep doing that.

It’s scary to think that the Spartans won by 10 on Friday and now nine and aren’t even close to playing their best basketball.

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