Another Michigan State basketball season ended on Thursday, and it was in a thriller that left a gut-wrenching feeling for MSU fans. From an action-packed day at Madison Square Garden, here is what was to draw from the Kansas State victory.
Nowell just incredible
Markquis Nowell was a name few in Big Ten country may have yet to hear of. But he made his mark and is helping the Wildcats to an elite eight appearance. Nowell saw the floor better than most, leading to open shots for Kansas State. If he drove, there would be too much help, and he would dump it off. Nowell would then zip it over to an open player for a shot if there were too much space. He returned from a battled rolled ankle and could still put up shots. Ten first-half assists, nine more, and big-time passes in the second half and overtime. It cannot be understated how much he means to this team and helping them get the win. Kansas State only wins with him.
Wildcats shooting
Do you ever get annoyed when watching a shot that doesn't usually go in start to fall? Well, that is how Spartans fans felt on Thursday. Kansas State, not an overall high three-point team, came into this one on fire. Going 7-12 from deep in the first half was different for them. Kansas State shot over 55% from the field and finished with 11 three-pointers. Four came from Massoud, which hit one from the logo deep in the game. He hit the shots needed when he was called. Massoud would also hit the attempt to put the Wildcats up 96-93 late in the game.
Key misses late for MSU
Michigan State had chance after chance to take this game. But when the time called for it, most key shot attempts wouldn't fall. Hauser, who still put on one heck of a season and game to this point, missed his last three attempts and the front end of a one-and-one with MSU trailing by less than three late in the second half. Malik Hall, who also had an up-and-down game, missed a free throw that would have tied it up at 94 instead of MSU needing a three late. In a game where both teams scored 90 points, the key shots went down for KSU while open looks fell short for MSU.
MSU guards showed up
Tyson Walker, Jaden Akins, and AJ Hoggard did everything they could to make a run and take down Kansas State. Akins hit vital shots and threes when the team needed them. Walker came up big with a layup to get the game to OT and then, in OT, a big-time three for the moment to give the Spartans a lead. Finally, Hoggard got downhill and scored four and one attempts in this game. These three gave teams trouble all year when they were at their best. Hoggard led the way finishing with 25 points, Walker with 16, and Akins tallied 14. It was a joy to watch these three play all season long, and if this is it for Walker, he quickly became one of my favorite Spartans.