Michigan State basketball: 3 takeaways from win over Georgia Southern

Nov 28, 2023; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Tyson Walker (2) drives past Georgia Southern Eagles forward Nate Brafford (23) during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2023; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Tyson Walker (2) drives past Georgia Southern Eagles forward Nate Brafford (23) during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports
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Michigan State basketball made some quick switches to the lineup and ran away with an 86-55 win over Georgia Southern on Tuesday night.

Yes, Jonathan Smith spoke to the crowd. No, Steven Izzo didn’t score.

What did we learn from the Spartans’ big win?

3. The lineup changes worked

Although I was already shaking my head the second it was announced that AJ Hoggard and Carson Cooper would be coming off the bench, they seemed to respond well to the change.

Mady Sissoko responded positively to starting, as did Tre Holloman.

Just look at the starts for the four guys who were involved in the lineup changes:

  • Mady Sissoko: 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block
  • Carson Cooper: 5 points, 4 rebounds, 1 block
  • Tre Holloman: 7 points, 10 assists
  • AJ Hoggard: 12 points, 4 turnovers, 3 steals

Everyone responded as well as Tom Izzo could have hoped when he made these changes. Obviously these won’t be long-term, but it’s good to see them responding.