The redshirt freshman forward may have been the unlikeliest of heroes in the Spartans' come from behind 71-67 victory over Louisville Wednesday night. Goins pulled in 13 rebounds, a game high and added five points. It was Goins’ glass tonight and MSU needed it to be.

Louisville was big. Izzo knew that coming in, calling Louisville “the biggest team we’ve faced in a lot of years.” Goins, a former walk-on who earned a scholarship, answered the call for MSU when they needed him most.

“The difference in the game was that Kenny did do a hell of a job on the boards,” Izzo said.

The 6-foot-6, 225 pound Goins had his work cut out for him too. Facing up against opponents who were 6-foot-10 and 7-foot, he fought his way to balls with grit and tenacity.

“Everytime the ball went up, I wanted it,” Goins said. “That’s it.”

Goins was taken aback by all the press surrounding him post game. For a player humble and quiet, he plays his role to a tee. He wasn’t used to the spotlight and in his mind he would be the last player the press would talk to.

“At the beginning of the season?” Goins said of being the difference maker for the no. 3 team in the country. “I would’ve never believed you. Not at all, not a chance. I’m ready when my number is called.”

It’s a point not lost on his teammates either.

“It’s special because he works so hard man and he comes in everyday,” sophomore guard Lourawls “Tum Tum” Nairn Jr. said. “He never complains, he wants to be better, he listens to coach. He just does his job, does everything right and he understood the scouting report that he had to go in there and rebound.”

Goins was the difference maker for the Spartans. Without Goins, the Spartans might never have climbed back into the game. Goins' play to come out of nowhere and knock down a jump shot with 6:47 to play in the game gave the Spartans their first lead of the night.

Valentine, who made the pass to Goins, had no idea that play was coming. It speaks to Goins’ IQ.

“They were leaving the middle wide open so he just flashed and I threw him the ball and he made a big time shot,” Valentine said. “It was just running our offense. He was right there, I passed it to him. I had trust he was going to make the shot.”

He might forever be that practice squad player internally and externally. He had a humble start and he did his job. It was what the Spartans needed.

“This game definitely feels good to get my chance get my number called but we’re onto the next one,” Goins said. “I’m already moved onto the next team.”