Michigan State Handles Toledo, But Second-Half Lapses Leave Room for Growth
Michigan State took care of business against Toledo on Tuesday night, rolling to a 92-69 win that was never really in question. From the opening tip, the Spartans looked sharper, stronger, and simply more talented. But if you know anything about Tom Izzo, you know that a 23-point win doesn’t mean the postgame film session is going to be all high-fives and compliments - especially after a second half that left plenty to be desired.
Let’s break down the good, the bad, and what this performance tells us about where Michigan State is heading.
First Half: A Clinic on Both Ends
The first 20 minutes? That was Michigan State basketball at its best.
The Spartans dropped 58 points - their highest-scoring first half of the season - while holding Toledo to just 28. The ball movement was crisp, the defensive rotations were tight, and the energy was exactly what you’d expect from a team looking to build momentum heading into the heart of the season.
They were dialed in. Every player seemed locked into their role, and it showed on both ends of the court. That kind of dominance is what Izzo has been trying to coax out of this group consistently, and for one half, he got it.
Second Half: The Foot Comes Off the Gas
Then came the second half - and with it, a noticeable drop in intensity. After building a 32-point lead early in the period, Michigan State started to coast.
Turnovers piled up, defensive effort waned, and open looks stopped falling. Toledo even went on a 13-1 run at one point, cutting into the lead and giving Izzo more than a few reasons to fume on the sideline.
Yes, the Spartans still won comfortably. But this wasn’t about the scoreboard - it was about habits.
Against a MAC opponent, you can get away with a 15-minute lull. Against Big Ten competition?
That’s how leads evaporate and games slip away.
Expect Izzo to hammer that point home in the film room. Effort and focus have to be full-game commitments - not just first-half features.
Kur Teng Finding His Groove
There’s a bright spot emerging in the Spartans’ backcourt, and his name is Kur Teng. Outside of a rough shooting night against Duke, Teng has been trending up - and fast.
In his last few outings (excluding the Duke game), he’s hit seven of his last nine attempts from beyond the arc. That’s the kind of shooting stroke that can change the complexion of a second unit.
Teng is starting to look like the knockdown shooter Izzo hyped before the season, and more importantly, he’s playing with confidence. That’s key for a young player still adjusting to the college game. If he keeps this up, he could carve out a real role as a floor-spacer and momentum-changer off the bench.
Now, the next step is getting Trey Fort going. His confidence hasn’t quite clicked yet, but there’s still time.
Rebounding Dominance: A Defining Trait
If there’s one area where Michigan State is consistently setting the tone, it’s on the glass. This team is relentless when it comes to rebounding - and it showed again against Toledo.
The Spartans out-rebounded the Rockets 54-24. That’s not just a win on the boards - that’s a statement.
Even more impressive? Eighteen of those rebounds came on the offensive end.
That kind of hustle creates second-chance points, wears down defenses, and fuels transition opportunities. It’s the kind of effort Izzo loves to see, and it’s becoming a hallmark of this team’s identity.
Outside of the Duke game - which was a battle - Michigan State has outworked every opponent on the boards. That’s a strong foundation to build on as the season progresses.
Turnovers Still a Problem
For all the good things Michigan State did, turnovers continue to be the thorn in their side. The second half was especially sloppy, and it undercut what could have been a truly dominant performance. With how well the Spartans were rebounding, cutting the turnovers in half might’ve turned this into a 40-point blowout.
It’s a fixable issue, but it’s one that needs attention - especially as the schedule toughens. Possessions are too valuable to waste, and the Spartans have the talent to be much more efficient.
Bottom Line
Michigan State got the win, and in stretches, looked every bit the contender many expected them to be. But the second half was a reminder that talent alone doesn’t win games - consistency does.
Izzo has the pieces. Now it’s about putting together 40-minute efforts, not just 25.
The Spartans are trending in the right direction. But if they want to make noise in the Big Ten and beyond, they’ll need to clean up the turnovers, keep the foot on the gas, and continue building on the rebounding edge that’s quickly becoming their calling card.