When Michigan State needed a big bucket late in their game against Memphis on Tuesday, things didn’t go as planned. Down by seven points with about two minutes left, the Spartans ended up with Tre Holloman attempting a tricky fade-away floater in the lane. The shot barely hit the rim, and although Coen Carr grabbed the rebound — showcasing MSU’s strength in rebounding — that moment highlighted a major issue for the team: finding reliable scoring in tough spots.
The Spartans lost 71-63 in the Maui Invitational semifinals and will now play in the third-place game against the loser of North Carolina and Auburn. While there’s still a chance to bounce back, this game exposed some clear challenges MSU needs to address.
Struggles in Crunch-Time Scoring
MSU has talented players, including standout freshman Jase Richardson, who scored 18 points on Tuesday. But when the game slows down and they need a clutch basket, it’s unclear where that bucket will come from. Players like Richardson are great in motion or catching the ball on the go, but the team’s point guards need to step up and create plays in these moments. On that key possession late in the game, the lack of movement and creativity hurt them.
To compete at the highest level, MSU must figure out how to generate consistent offense when it matters most. The good news? They’re starting to experiment with lineups that maximize their strengths.
Better Shooting Brings Hope
After a rough shooting performance on Monday, when MSU missed their first 14 three-point attempts, things improved on Tuesday. The Spartans hit 7 of 20 from deep, which isn’t amazing but definitely better. Richardson led the way, going 3-for-5 from beyond the arc, and has now hit 7 of 13 threes this season.
Three of MSU’s key players — Jaden Akins, Tre Holloman, and Frankie Fidler — have struggled mightily from long range so far, shooting under 18% combined. That’s far below their usual standards, and it’s unlikely to last. The team just needs to help these guys get back to their comfort zones as catch-and-shoot players.
With Richardson’s impressive start and other shooters likely to improve, MSU’s three-point struggles shouldn’t define their season.
Smaller Lineups Show Potential
One of the bright spots against Memphis was MSU’s smaller, faster lineup. For stretches, they played Jaxon Kohler at center, Coen Carr at power forward, and surrounded them with guards like Akins, Richardson, and either Holloman or Jeremy Fears. This lineup gave MSU energy, spacing, and a chance to play to their strengths.
Carr, in particular, is key to these smaller lineups working. His athleticism on the inside allows MSU to spread the floor and let their guards shine. However, Carr needs to contribute more — five points and two rebounds in 21 minutes isn’t enough. Still, when Carr is at power forward, MSU looks like a team with serious potential.
Looking Ahead
The Spartans have a lot going for them — strong rebounding, solid defense, and a deep roster. But to make noise this season, they’ll need to find answers on offense, especially in crunch time. Their shooters need to settle in, and their point guards have to take charge when the game is on the line.
With some adjustments, MSU has the pieces to be a dangerous team. Now it’s about putting it all together. Stay tuned for their next test in the third-place game — another chance to grow and improve.