Michigan State basketball is trending in the right direction after another Penn State win. Whose stock is on the rise?
This was one of those games that could have been an opportunity for a letdown for Michigan State basketball but they didn’t let that happen. With this team’s road game struggles and a team in Penn State that is playing better, this was an opportunity for the Spartans to get a road win that they needed and they did.
This game didn’t go the way fans probably expected it to go but there were a few performances that made players’ stocks rise and a few fall.
Stock Up
- Malik Hall
This could be Malik Hall’s legacy game at Michigan State. While it is a Penn State team that is towards the bottom of the Big Ten, this was a performance that fans have not seen in years. Malik had 29 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists in this game, and it’s the first time he has had back-to-back 20-plus point performances. Not only did Malik score a lot, but he also showed moves and handles that fans have not seen. One of those examples was a fast-break opportunity while Penn State was pressing and he broke it himself by dribbling through his legs. This is another great performance from Hall and we are seeing him have that senior year run that players seem to have at Michigan State.
- Jaden Akins
Another great performance from Jaden Akins especially shooting from three. In the first half, he went 4-for-5 from three and ended up with 20 points. Akins was hunting his shot in this game as he took 17 shots and made eight of them. He not only made his shots but he played great defense as well. Jaden was one of the main reasons Michigan State went up double digits at halftime with his shooting and transition play.
- Carson Cooper
This was one of the best performances that Carson Cooper has had this year and in his career. In his 18 minutes, he scored 10 points tying his career high. He also made a few post moves and was able to contribute when he was in the game. If Cooper can continue to contribute like this every game, he should get more playing time and might make the ceiling a little higher for this team. The key for Carson is consistency and if he is consistent, he could be the guy that contributes at the five during March.
Stock Down
- Tre Holloman
This was another game in which Tre Holloman struggled. Ever since the Minnesota game, he has struggled on the offensive end. He hasn’t made many shots and even had two turnovers in this game. Holloman has continued to struggle on the offensive end and if Michigan State wants to make a run. He is going to have to protect the ball and make his shots. While offensively he struggled, his defense continues to be very good.
- Mady Sissoko
Mady Sissoko again had the worst performance out of the big man. He struggled in this game and that was why Carson Cooper played the many minutes he did. He’s not going to score a lot of points but he is going to have to do a better job at rebounding and defending when he is on the court.
This was a game in which Michigan State basketball got the win without AJ Hoggard or Tyson Walker scoring a lot of points. Both only scored 10 times and this team put up 80 points and an eight-point win. While this isn’t a great Penn State team, this was a comfortable road win for Michigan State and they got key contributions from Hall and Akins.
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