AJ Hoggard and Malik Hall played the roles of hero on Saturday in Michigan State’s win over Indiana State.
I could point to many players who had awesome games in Saturday’s 87-75 Michigan State basketball win over Indiana State. Saturday was a total team effort that saw everyone contribute to the massive win. However, it is two seniors who had big games that I think are the main reason MSU won this game.
Tyson Walker did his thing, like he always does, with 22 points and five assists. But we’ve come to expect that from Walker every night.
However, it was AJ and Malik that stood out to me in this victory.
AJ Hoggard
AJ Hoggard had himself a game on Saturday. He filled up the stat sheet, pouring in 17 points on 6-for-11 shooting from the field. He also added four assists, two rebounds, two blocks, and a steal as well. Arguably the biggest thing from Hoggard was his perfect 4-for-4 shooting from the free throw line. AJ did have two turnovers in the game, but that’s something we can live with when he has this great of a game.
AJ is someone who has been questioned a lot throughout his career, including this season. He at times doesn’t seem very motivated and looks visibly checked out during some games. He has since turned a corner and has been one of the main reasons for our four-game winning streak.
During this streak, he is averaging 13.5 points and 6.5 assists per game, both of which are far above his season averages.
More importantly than any of his stats, AJ looks like a leader of this team again. That’s what you would expect from your senior point guard, but it hasn’t always been the case. But Spartan fans don’t have to worry anymore because Hoggard looks the part both on the court and as a leader. If he can keep his focus and drive up, he can be one of the best point guards in the conference.
Malik Hall
Malik Hall had his best game of the season by far against Indian State. Hall ended the game with 18 points, eight rebounds, and a season-high five assists. I don’t know what you all think, but we can beat anyone in the country if we get games like this from Malik. He will never be our “go-to” scoring option, that’s reserved for Tyson and AJ.
But Hall can be a great scoring option for us when you pair him with the second unit.
When he’s on the court with guys like Coen Carr, Mady Sissoko, or Carson Cooper he needs to be the alpha scorer. It’s not that those three can’t score, but they aren’t our best options for creating their own shot. That’s where Malik can shine, especially in the post with his patented turn-around fadeaway jumper.
AJ and Malik have to be our top scorers regularly this season. As I mentioned, Tyson is that guy for Michigan State basketball and I have no doubt he will continue to be the leading scorer most nights. But the ceiling of this Michigan State team rises when AJ and Malik can have games like they did Saturday against Indiana State.
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