Spartans Start Big Ten Defense with Authority, Roll Past Iowa in Statement Win
On a day when Michigan State had plenty to celebrate off the court - including the unveiling of a $1 billion fundraising campaign and the introduction of new football coach Pat Fitzgerald - the men’s basketball team made sure the party continued inside the Breslin Center.
The Spartans opened their Big Ten schedule with a convincing 71-52 win over previously unbeaten Iowa, showing flashes of the physicality, depth, and defensive intensity that could make them a serious threat in the conference once again.
Carr, Fears Lead Balanced Attack
Coen Carr and Jeremy Fears Jr. were the engines driving the Spartans’ offense. Carr led all scorers with 15 points, putting his athleticism on full display with a pair of high-flying finishes that brought the home crowd to its feet. Fears, the freshman point guard who’s rapidly growing into his role, chipped in 14 points and dished out six assists, controlling the tempo and making smart decisions in the halfcourt.
Michigan State shot just 40% from the field but made up for it with hustle and execution in the margins. They grabbed 13 offensive rebounds and turned those into 21 second-chance points - a stat that tells the story of the game’s physical edge. At the free throw line, they were nearly automatic, knocking down 22 of 25 attempts.
Defense Sets the Tone
The Spartans’ defense was relentless from the jump, and it only tightened as the game wore on. They held Iowa to just 52 points - a season low - and won the rebounding battle 37-18. That kind of dominance on the glass doesn’t just happen; it’s a product of effort, positioning, and a frontcourt that played with purpose.
Jaxon Kohler anchored that effort with his fourth double-double of the season. Coming off a strong performance against North Carolina, Kohler followed it up with another efficient night in the paint, helping Michigan State rack up 34 points inside.
The Spartans took a 14-point lead into the break, and they wasted no time extending it. A drop-step dunk from Carson Cooper, followed by back-to-back highlight-reel plays from Carr, pushed the lead to 17 early in the second half. Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz tried to keep the Hawkeyes within striking distance, but the Spartans’ defense forced tough shots and limited clean looks.
Iowa’s Offense Stalls
Stirtz led Iowa with 14 points, but he didn’t get much help. The Hawkeyes struggled to find rhythm, especially during a five-minute stretch in the second half where they missed seven straight shots. Six different players contributed to that cold spell, which effectively shut the door on any hopes of a comeback.
A corner three from Cooper Koch finally ended the drought with just under six minutes to play, but by then, the Spartans had built a 20-point cushion and were in full control.
It was Iowa’s first loss of the season after a 7-0 start under new head coach Ben McCollum, who took over for longtime leader Fran McCaffery. McCollum brought six transfers with him from Drake, including Stirtz, a preseason All-American known for his deliberate, methodical style. But Michigan State’s defense never let him get comfortable.
A Familiar Foe, A Familiar Result
It was fitting that Michigan State opened Big Ten play against Iowa - the same team they clinched a share of the conference title against last season. That game marked the end of McCaffery’s tenure in Iowa City. This one marked the beginning of McCollum’s Big Ten journey - and it came with a harsh welcome.
The game started slowly for both teams. Iowa struck first with a three from Stirtz over the outstretched arm of Kur Teng, who returned to the starting lineup after six games off the bench. Teng responded with Michigan State’s first points, snapping an early drought.
Fears tied the game at 7 with a pair of free throws, and the Spartans didn’t look back. A 13-0 run midway through the first half - sparked by freshman Jordan Scott’s energy off the bench - flipped the game on its head. Scott hit a putback layup and a three during that stretch, while Fitzgerald, watching from the sideline, delivered a fiery timeout speech that seemed to ignite the team.
By halftime, the Spartans were up 35-21, having made as many free throws (11) as field goals. The tone was set, and they never let up.
What’s Next
With the win, Michigan State improves to 8-0 on the season and 1-0 in Big Ten play. More importantly, they’re starting to look like a team finding its identity - tough on defense, dangerous in transition, and deep enough to wear teams down over 40 minutes.
There’s still plenty of basketball to be played, but if this opener was any indication, the Spartans are more than ready to defend their Big Ten crown.