Another slow start, another strong finish for Michigan State basketball as the Spartans had just a seven-point lead over Niagara at halftime before dominating the second half en route to a 96-60 win.
Michigan State has now covered both spreads to begin the season and the Spartans look to be picking up some steam heading into Tuesday night's Champions Classic matchup against No. 1 Kansas. If the Spartans win that game, they'll make a statement on a national level.
The offense looked a lot better on Thursday night than it did on Monday, making over 50 percent of their shots and drilling six 3-pointers while shooting 80 percent from the line.
What did we learn from another blowout win?
1. Jase Richardson is the ideal sixth man
The only bench player to score in double figures in the season opener was freshman guard Jase Richardson and he continued that scorching hot start on Thursday with 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting.
While he finally missed more than one shot in one game (first time counting exhibition games that that's happened), he looked like a really solid all-around player and a true offensive threat off the bench. He also had two rebounds, an assist, a block, and a steal in just an overall solid performance from the sixth man.
Having him, Jaxon Kohler, Coen Carr, and Tre Holloman coming off the bench just proves that this team is scary deep.
2. Jaxon Kohler is here to stay
OK, I'm just going to say it: Jaxon Kohler is here to stay.
The junior big man was supposed to break out a year ago but an injury halted that and now he's looking like the most improved player on the team. He came off the bench, dropped 20 points with 13 rebounds, and looked much more effective on the defensive end of the floor.
I don't know about you, but the growth from Kohler has made me excited about this year's team because he could be the first legit big man the team has had in years.
3. This team has serious depth
While it felt like Michigan State had some depth a year ago, it feels like this year's team has two legitimate starting lineups.
Michigan State started the game with Jeremy Fears Jr., Jaden Akins, Frankie Fidler, Xavier Booker, and Szymon Zapala but there are 4-5 more guys who could legitimately start. Coming off the bench were Kohler, Holloman, Carr, Richardson, Kur Teng, and Carson Cooper. All of those guys could be inserted into the starting lineup and you'd likely see very little, if any, drop-off.
Depth is what makes teams title contenders and Michigan State has just that.