Michigan State’s Game against Arizona was a Bright Spot in an Otherwise Disappointing Season for the Spartans

Arizona Wildcats college basketball triumphed over the Michigan State Spartans in the first-ever Acrisure Classic in Palm Desert, California, on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023. The frustration and exasperation were palpable on the face of Tom Izzo post-game.

Arizona dealt Michigan State a 74-68 loss, but few found it as discouraging compared to earlier performances in the season. It was a pivotal game that showed glimpses of the potential MSU has to contend for championships.

The Arizona Wildcats resemble the Connecticut team that made their way through the NCAA tournament in a blaze of glory. I would bet on Arizona to win the national championship right away. For the Spartans, the exceptional play and brief lead they had against the Wildcats provide hope for what’s to come.

However, it’s not time to let confidence infiltrate MSU yet. The team needing to reflect on both the positive performance and missed opportunities during the game. A.J. Hoggard, MSU’s enigmatic senior point guard, has shown flashes of both brilliance and struggle.

He has often been inconsistent and slow, and that has been an issue for the Spartans team. During this game, Coach Izzo sat Hoggard out for the final 8:29 of the first half. However, when he got onto the court in the second half, he rattled the Wildcats.

The Spartans’ performance was an undeniable story filled with maddening upshots and moments of inspiration. The game highlighted that there is immense potential within the MSU team if Hoggard becomes more consistent, and fellow players, like Jaden Akins, become more aggressive early on in games.

Michigan State celebrated a moral victory despite the loss and looks to take the lessons learned and turn it into a statement win during the rest of their season.

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Laura Davis

Laura Davis covers the world of basketball with precision. Her articles explore NBA and college basketball, offering game analysis, player profiles, and highlights. Laura’s passion for hoops is evident in her comprehensive basketball coverage.