"MSU Basketball: Navigating Through Challenges and Opportunities"

One Glancing Issue in the Loss to Memphis

During the Maui Invitational semifinals, MSU (5-2) found themselves in a tough spot. Despite having good offensive players like Jase Richardson (who had 18 points), they often struggled to generate offense in crucial moments. Holloman's shot attempt at that particular moment was a telling sign. The lineups in such situations are becoming more defined, with a focus on having more guards on the court. But having a seasoned go-to player is crucial offensively. While Richardson shows promise, he's at his best in motion. MSU needs its point guards to create in these settings, and they didn't quite manage it that day. It was just one play, but it represents a larger issue that the team needs to address if they want to make significant progress this season.

The loss was also due to several bad stretches where Memphis got out and ran and made timely shots. Rebounding has returned after a few years of absence, with MSU being plus-8 on the glass against Memphis. The defense has been consistent, but sometimes there just isn't enough firepower on offense. These two aspects go hand in hand and need to be improved.

3-Pointers Finally (Sort of) Find Their Mark

Jase Richardson's 3-pointer bouncing gently on the rim before falling in was a moment of relief. It seemed like the team's shooting was finally finding its rhythm after a 0-for-14 start from deep on Monday. Tuesday's 7-for-20 shooting from 3-point range was more in line with their usual performance. MSU has three seasoned players who are career 3-point shooters above 35%, but entering Tuesday, they were shooting less than 18% combined on 74 attempts. This isn't sustainable.

What's interesting is that Akins and Fidler are in new situations, needing to create more off the dribble and play at a different level. MSU needs to help them get their 3-point looks in their comfort zones. With Richardson also shooting well from 3 (7-for-13 after Tuesday's 3-for-5 performance), the Spartans should have enough shooting to make an impact.

Keep an Eye on MSU's Small-Ball Lineups

During the game, MSU experimented with a lineup that showed promise. Jaxon Kohler at center, Coen Carr at power forward, surrounded by Jaden Akins, Jase Richardson, and either Jeremy Fears or Tre Holloman. This group helped MSU come back from a 19-14 deficit and stayed on the court for nearly four minutes. Carr's presence at power forward was crucial, as was Richardson's on the floor. Down the stretch, Carr was at the 4 or 5, allowing MSU to go really small and maximize the strength of their guards while spreading the floor.

MSU has great depth, and these smaller-ball lineups could be the key to beating upper-tier competition. Carr needs to contribute more than just 5 points and 2 rebounds in 21 minutes. By playing more of their guards together, MSU can showcase their offensive firepower and potentially turn things around.