Michigan State basketball: Good, great, bad, and ugly from big win over Baylor

Michigan State basketball put on a masterclass against an undefeated Baylor Bears team. Let’s look at the good, great, bad, and ugly.

Michigan State basketball looked exactly like it was expected to look to begin the season on Saturday against Baylor. The Spartans combined a hot start with elite defense to break the game wide open almost immediately.

Michigan State took a 45-17 lead into halftime, and, outside the first three minutes of the second half in which Baylor looked to get into somewhat of a groove, they did not let off until the final whistle. Entering a very winnable stretch of basketball, this win was incredibly important for MSU.

So let’s take a look at the good, great, bad, and ugly from the Spartans’ blowout win at Little Caesars Arena.

Good: Offensive efficiency

The Spartans’ offense has been anemic at times this season. Outside of Tyson Walker, there have been multiple stretches this season where MSU hasn’t had a go-to scorer when needed. Across the board, guards, wings, and centers have struggled at times. That was clearly not the case on Saturday against Baylor. From the moment Tyson Walker hit his opening three, Michigan State was off and running. Walker would score 18 of his 25 points in the first half to lead the way. As a team, MSU shot incredibly well from deep. Even with their disappointing season average from 3-point range, the Spartans shot 67 percent from deep. Tre Holloman, Tyson Walker, Jaden Akins, and Xavier Booker all got in on the fun from long range. 

Speaking of Booker, Michigan State’s big men looked great against Baylor as well. Carson Cooper and Mady Sissoko both looked to be comfortable and in control down low, even if they didn’t exactly fill the stat book.

All in all, MSU had possession after possession that resembled a well-oiled machine. Great offensive showing from the Spartans.