Well, that was not a pretty game, but boy was that fun. Michigan State basketball was able to knock off Loyola Chicago in the opening game of the Battle 4 Atlantis in The Bahamas in dramatic fashion, 63-61.
The Spartans were led by co-captain Malik Hall, who ended up with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and an assist. He was a perfect 9-for-9 from the floor.
It was Marcus Bingham Jr. who won the game for the Spartans on a perfectly thrown lob from Tyson Walker (who is finally starting to look more comfortable) as time expired, when the whole gym expected the ball to go back to Malik Hall. Bingham set a career high with 7 blocks to go along with 11 points, 9 rebounds and a steal.
Max Christie and AJ Hoggard struggled in this one, going a combined 2-for-14 from the field.
This was, unfortunately, another game in which the Spartans struggled to hold onto the ball, ending up with 20 turnovers. That is becoming their achilles heel, but if they are able to clean that up, this team could have a high ceiling.
