Michigan State basketball: Report card for second-round win over Marquette

Jaden Akins: B-

This wasn’t exactly one of the better games Jaden Akins played.

A B- may seem a little harsh, but his offensive output was lacking when the Spartans needed him most. He had a big and-one in the second half, but missed the free throw and he was just 2-for-8 from the field and a disappointing 0-for-5 from deep. It looked like he may have had some nerves, but hopefully he got that out of his system against Marquette.

Akins finished with five points but he did have four rebounds, an assist, and a steal. He was active on the defensive side of the ball and he crashed the boards.

Michigan State didn’t need Akins to have one of his better offensive games and he was still fairly effective as his perimeter defense is arguably the best on the team.

Akins will need to be better next game but you have to appreciate him making up for his lack of offense with elite defense and rebounding from the wing.