Michigan State basketball: 3 takeaways from first Big Ten win over Penn State

2. Malik Hall has turned it around

Ever since his tough performance in the Oakland win, Malik Hall has been playing really well. In fact, he hasn't shot under 50 percent in any of the three games since.

In fact, he's shooting 65 percent in the past three games while averaging 17 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. He has turned a corner so much that he's even shooting 50 percent from deep during that span. He looks like one of the best players on the team and the fact that he's turning it around and playing like we all expected to start the season is a good sign.

On the year, Hall is averaging 11 points, 4.8 points, and 2.3 assists while shooting just over 50 percent from the floor and if he continues to gain confidence, not many teams are going to be able to stop him.

Heck, Puff Johnson (a former top-75 recruit) had a nightmare of a time trying to guard Hall and he was just 1-or-7 from the floor with four fouls. This was just a great two-way game for Hall.