Michigan State basketball, under the guidance of head coach Tom Izzo for 29 seasons, returned to its foundational principles of defending, rebounding, and running. This strategic shift was prompted by a challenging start to the season, marked by a 4-5 record and initial setbacks in Big Ten play.
In an unexpected turn of events, the Spartans demonstrated a flawless execution of Coach Izzo’s philosophy in their remarkable 88-64 victory over Baylor. The team’s dominance on the boards, defensive prowess, and adept conversion of missed shots and turnovers into points reflected a return to the core principles that have defined their success.
Baylor found itself consistently overmatched throughout the game, facing an early double-digit deficit and struggling to regain momentum against the Spartans’ relentless defensive tenacity. The statistical dominance extended to Michigan State’s superior rebounding (29 to 20), restricting Baylor to 31 percent from three-point range, and capitalizing on 21 turnovers for 29 additional points.
Graduate student guard Tyson Walker emerged as a standout performer for Michigan State, contributing significantly with four three-pointers and stellar defense against Baylor’s lead guard. Walker’s 25-point performance, including a flawless shooting display from beyond the arc, solidified his pivotal role in the Spartans’ offensive strategy.
Senior guard A.J. Hoggard showcased a return to his assertive playing style, delivering a highly efficient performance with 14 points and 5 assists. Hoggard’s control of the Spartan offense and effectiveness in transition added a crucial dimension to Michigan State’s gameplay. Sophomore guard Tre Holloman complemented Walker and Hoggard’s contributions, contributing 11 points and 2 steals while contributing to stifling defense.
When Walker, Hoggard, and Holloman perform at such high levels, Michigan State becomes a formidable opponent. The team’s energetic start, marked by strong rebounding and offensive plays, set the tone for a significant turnaround from previous losses to James Madison, Duke, Arizona, and Wisconsin.
MSU’s commanding 30-point lead in the first half showcased the stark contrast between their performance against Baylor and previous struggles. Despite Baylor’s aggressive start in the second half, cutting the deficit to 20 points, Michigan State responded with a decisive run, fueled by Hoggard’s impactful plays.
The Spartans ultimately settled into their first-half form, maintaining a 25-point advantage and securing a meaningful 88-64 victory. This victory against a highly regarded program like Baylor underscored that the Michigan State team, ranked No. 4 at the season’s start, remains a potent force capable of impressive performances. The game demonstrated that, despite earlier challenges, the Spartans have the potential to emerge as a formidable contender at their best.
