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V-Cast: Michigan State survives must-win game against Northwestern with defense, rebounding

On3 imageby:Paul Konyndyk•03/07/24•

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East Lansing, Mich. – Michigan State eked out a four-point victory in a must-win game against Northwestern at the Breslin Center on senior night. This game didn’t have many made threes by the Spartans, but did feature gritty defense, solid rebounding, and plenty of energy from a home crowd, which helped lift their team to victory.

After the win, SpartanMag staffers Jim Comparoni and Paul Konyndyk checked in from court with a postgame V-Cast.

V-CAST TOPICS

Defense against Boo Buie: Michigan State senior Tyson Walker delivered his best defensive performance in the past month in limiting Northwestern star Boo Buie to 15 points on 6-of-13 shooting. Buie came into this game fresh off a 27-point game against Iowa. The Spartans did as good a job defensively against Buie tonight as they’ve done in recent memory. One of the most noteworthy aspects of Michigan State’s defense against Buie is the fact that the Spartans were able to play solid defense without fouling. Buie attempted no free throws in this game. In the first meeting between Michigan State and Northwestern, Buie was 6-for-6 at the free-throw line.

Shooting woes plague Michigan State: Michigan State shot 32 percent in this game and made just 2-of-17 from behind the 3-point line. As the Spartans move into post-season play, it is difficult to imagine an NCAA Tournament if they are unable to make open jumpers. Jaden Akins went 0-for-4 from three against Northwestern. He has now made four of his last 19 threes over the span of five games. The Spartans need more from Akins with regard to his perimeter jumper.

Malik Hall balls out: During his post-game interview senior Malik Hall admitted that it bothers him when his zero point, zero rebound performance in a December loss at Northwestern is brought up.  On senior night at Michigan State, Hall did something to change the narrative by posting a double-double. Hall scored 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting and added a career-high 17 rebounds in the win.

Tre Holloman comes up big: Michigan State enjoyed a 12-2 advantage in bench points against Northwestern thanks to 12 big points from sophomore point guard Tre Holloman, who split time between the one and the two on senior night. Holloman accounted for both of Michigan State’s threes in this game. Holloman also got the biggest rebound of the night, while getting fouled in the process. He then calmly knocked down both free throws in a 1-and-1 situation with less than 10 seconds remaining. On a night when Akins struggled, Michigan State needed everything Holloman could muster. He came through while also playing good defense throughout his 25 minutes.

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