Senior forward Malik Hall, graduate student forward Joey Hauser and junior center Mady Sissoko embrace at Nationwide Arena on March 19, 2023, during the second round of the NCAA tournament. Michigan State defeated Marquette 69-60 to advance to the Sweet 16.
During the 2021-22 NCAA tournament, No. 7 seed MSU hung on to defeat No. 10 seed Davidson in the first round, advancing to face an all too familiar opponent, the No. 2 seed Duke Blue Devils and ultimately losing in the second round.
The mission this year remained the same. Overcome the No. 10 seed, then take down the No. 2 seed. After a hot start turned back-and-forth affair against a gritty Marquette team, the Spartans did something they’ve failed to do since 2019-advance to the Sweet Sixteen.
Michigan State pulled ahead early on courtesy of stone-cold defense and constant rebounding against a highly defensive, three-point heavy team.
Once the Golden Eagles crept back, the Spartans regressed to the same team they’ve been for a good chunk of the season, starting with the hefty lead and slowly giving it away piece by piece, usually costing them the game.
However, MSU had seen this ending one too many times. With the help of a variety of players, they sealed the win and the season wasn't over just yet.
Graduate student forward Joey Hauser, a player who once received arguably the most backlash on MSU’s roster, obtained a standing ovation against Marquette late in the game.
During the starting lineup debut, Hauser received a loud booing from the Marquette fanbase as soon as his name was read. However, it didn’t seem to bother the veteran player too much.
Hauser was a key asset to MSU’s success against Marquette, on both ends of the floor. Hauser notched 14 points, collected 10 rebounds and one steal to lead the green and white to victory.
With 4:23 to play, Hoggard dished the ball over to Hauser, who drained a bucket from behind the arc to put MSU up by five.
As soon as the shot fell, the arena grew the loudest it had been all night as the Joey chant was set in motion. Hauser couldn’t help but smile, with unrecognizable confidence from the player that first donned the green and white jersey a few years back.
“For Joey, it’s so fun to hear people chanting when people weren’t chanting a couple years ago,” head men's basketball coach Tom Izzo said. “I think that he’s deserved every bit of it.”
“I couldn’t even put it into words, I was so emotional,” Hauser said. “Once I heard that I was like wow, let's get this game over with and get this win. I just want to see my parents, see my teammates and celebrate this win.”
Junior center Mady Sissoko is another starter who has received sizable criticism throughout the season. The Spartan big had a strong start, playing efficiently against all-star Big's like Gonzaga’s Drew Timme and Kentucky’s Oscar Tshiebwe.
Once the nonconference schedule wrapped up and Big Ten play got rolling, Sissoko went cold and inconsistency set in.
“I started hot and then things started going up and down,” Sissoko said. “It’s all from learning. My teammates are always there, that’s why it’s so special to me. I’m so grateful to be a part of this group because no matter what they have your back and I’m so thankful for that.”
Against Marquette, Sissoko was on fire, getting it done for MSU on both ends of the court. Sissoko clinched eight points, picked up 10 rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
Late in the second half, the starting big made a few mistakes when it came to ball screen coverage, allowing for the Golden Eagles to retaliate with two buckets from deep and shortening MSU’s lead to where it became too close for comfort.
“He was really upset in the huddle, upset like I've never seen Mady,” Izzo said. “I think the coolest thing is he went out and did something about it. That’s growth. That’s growth as a person, growth as a teammate.”
For senior guard Tyson Walker, it’s been the same story all season. Michigan State goes cold, can’t get anything going offensively. Walker swoops in, breaks the scoring drought and puts the Spartans back on track.
For a player who was decently quiet last season, he erupted against Marquette all across the board with 23 points, two rebounds, two assists and a big steal down the stretch.
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Walker's talent is invaluable to MSU's roster and will need to remain consistent if the team wants to make a run this week.
“We've been watching it since the end of last year,” senior forward Malik Hall said. “Him and Joey both hit really big shots down the stretch, whether that be today or any other day. Outstanding. He’s just amazing.”
MSU will advance to take on No. 3 seed Kansas State in the Sweet Sixteen. The two teams will face off on Thursday at Madison Square Garden. Tipoff time has not yet been announced.
If the green and white want to keep dancing to the Elite Eight on Saturday, they will need all hands on deck, especially from the three who stood out on Sunday night against Marquette.
“I’m so happy to go back out there again, it’s going to be fun,” Sissoko said. “We’re going to enjoy this moment right now and be ready for the quick turnaround. I’m excited for sure.”
