Three good and three bad observations from Michigan State basketball’s win in Madrid

Michigan State’s Xavier Booker, center, celebrates his dunk with teammates Tyson Walker, left, and Jeremy Fears Jr. during the first half in the game against Stony Brook on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Michigan State basketball opened their overseas trip to Spain defeating the Madrid All-Stars, 94-87, and giving fans the first win of the 2024-25 season, albeit an exhibition.

While there is only so much that can be put into an exhibition contest, there was a lot to takeaway from Michigan State’s opening game in Spain, playing against some semblance of competition, compared to a moneyball setting.

Here are five observations Spartans Wire took from the Spartans exhibition win in Madrid:

1 (good). Closing out a game

Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears Jr. moves the ball against Oakland during the first half on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Yes, you read that right, in a close game, Michigan State closed out the game with a win on the back of their point guard Jeremy Fears Jr.

A welcomed scene, as the Spartans have struggled to close out games for the better part of four years, and Tom Izzo’s begging for point guards to step up. Well, on a Thursday in Madrid, it was his redshirt freshman point guard showing that he can take over a game when it needs to be done.

1 (bad). Two big lineups

Michigan State’s Jaxon Kohler, left, and Carson Cooper react to Xavier Booker’s dunk during the second half in the game against Ohio State on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

The dreaded two big lineup may be here to stay, much to the dismay of MSU fans. While this was a game MSU went 12 deep on the bench, giving everyone playing time, Izzo did not shy away from actively putting the two center lineup into action.

2 (good). Jaxon Kohler

Michigan State’s Jaxon Kohler celebrates after making a basket against Rutgers during the second half on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.

Piggybacking on the…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/three-good-three-bad-observations-013909048.html

Author : Spartans Wire

Publish date : 2024-08-16 01:39:09

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