EAST LANSING, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 04: Head coach Tom Izzo talks to Rocket Watts #2 of the Michigan State Spartans in the first half while playing the Detroit Titans at Breslin Center on December 04, 2020 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Joey Hauser and Rocket Watts are more important to the potential turnaround of Michigan State basketball than people may realize.
Michigan State looked like it was turning a corner. A road win over Nebraska ended a three-game losing streak and then a 23-point home win over No. 15 Rutgers started a new winning streak.