While MSU had just 19 field goals, Northwestern only made 18. 

Graduate student forward Malik Hall was a huge contributor on both ends of the court and capped off his Breslin career with a bang. Hall logged his fourth career double-double with 15 points and a career-high 17 rebounds. The veteran was a difference-maker against the Wildcats and played with an aggressiveness that secured a win for his final game at home.

“This game, this team — it means a lot to me more than I put into words for you,” Hall said. “Just the program in general. At some point, in high school, I didn't really think I was gonna play college basketball — let alone at this level. So, just being here is more than I could ever ask for.”

Hall had his worst game of the season the last time Michigan State played Northwestern back in January; he had a rare zero points and zero rebounds on the road against the Wildcats. 

“I definitely put pressure on the game, just because how I played last time I played Northwestern,” Hall said. “I mean, for everybody, I think there was pressure. I think there was a lot of emotion. I think there was a lot of things just going on in everyone's head, to be honest. I mean, as it would for anybody going through something like this going through the last game at the Breslin Center or somewhere where you spent a lot of time someplace where you call home.” 

Michigan State honored its seniors following the game, unlike many other schools across the country. The tradition of senior Spartans kissing the logo at center court is over 20 years old, and one of the most iconic senior night traditions. 

Head coach Tom Izzo said that holding Senior Night festivities after the game is the best way for players and fans to appreciate each other, but by honoring them after the game, you run the risk of souring the night by losing.

It has been years since Michigan State suffered a senior night loss, but for a lot of Wednesday’s game, it looked like the Spartans may have had to face that reality. 

“I don't think I could ever explain to you how hard it is to spend the amount of time we spend with our guys," Izzo said. "And then to try to coach them in a tough game and try to pray to God that they get to enjoy their Senior Night and memories that Senior Nights bring,” Izzo said. 

It was a gritty win for Michigan State, but at the end of the night, Hall, graduate student guard Tyson Walker, senior center Mady Sissoko, senior guard A.J. Hoggard, graduate student guard Steven Izzo and senior guard Davis Smith all got to enjoy one last win at home. 

“Once we get a game — or a couple games together — where everybody plays at a really high level... I think that's something that we haven't had yet," Hall said. "Where everybody has a really great game, even if like the stats don't match. Whatever it may be, everyone's just playing with high-level energy, high level on defense, high level on offense. I think that'll be the difference for us. And I think after that once we start to be consistent with that — there's no stopping us.”

Michigan State will be back on the road Sunday at Indiana for the team's final regular season matchup of the season at 4:30 p.m. Streaming will be available on Paramount Plus.