Michigan State Blows Out Maryland Behind Historic Performance from Jeremy Fears
In the grind of Big Ten basketball, stress-free wins are a rare luxury. But Saturday afternoon in East Lansing?
That was about as relaxing as it gets for Michigan State fans. Back at the Breslin Center for the first time in over a week, the Spartans wasted no time asserting dominance over a struggling Maryland squad, jumping out to an early double-digit lead and never looking back.
By halftime, the game felt over. By the final buzzer, it was a 43-point statement - the kind of win that doesn’t just boost the record, but reaffirms a team’s identity.
Michigan State is now 18-2 on the season, and if Saturday was any indication, they’re rounding into form at just the right time. Let’s dive into the performances that powered this blowout - and one that etched its name into Big Ten history.
Jeremy Fears - A+
There are big games, and then there are record-breaking games. Jeremy Fears delivered the latter.
With 17 points and 17 assists, Fears became the first player in Big Ten history to post that stat line - a performance that was as efficient as it was electric. He shot 6-of-8 from the field, hit his lone three-point attempt, and orchestrated the offense with poise and precision.
If Fears wasn’t already on the All-American radar, he is now. This wasn’t just a great game - it was a defining one.
Carson Cooper - A-
Carson Cooper followed up his career night against Oregon with another strong showing. He finished with 14 points, eight boards, and three steals, shooting 4-for-8 from the field.
But the real eye-opener? He knocked down his first career three-pointer.
Cooper is evolving - no longer just a defensive anchor, but a two-way contributor who’s growing more confident with each game. His presence in the paint continues to be a difference-maker, and now he’s adding range to his game?
That’s a scary development for opponents.
Jaxon Kohler - B+
After a brief two-game dip, Jaxon Kohler bounced back in a big way. The senior big man looked more like himself, finishing with 11 points and eight rebounds while hitting 5-of-7 shots.
It wasn’t his flashiest outing, but it was efficient and timely. Kohler’s interior touch and rebounding instincts were back on display, and with rivalry week looming, his resurgence couldn’t have come at a better time.
Coen Carr - A-
Coen Carr is starting to look like a real X-factor for the Spartans. After hitting three triples against Oregon, he added another against Maryland and mixed in a couple of silky mid-range jumpers.
But let’s be honest - the alley-oops were the highlight. Carr shot 6-for-8 from the floor and brought energy on both ends.
If his jumper continues to hold up, Michigan State’s ceiling gets a whole lot higher.
Divine Ugochukwu - B
Divine Ugochukwu had been quiet in recent games, but he showed signs of life on Saturday. He chipped in seven points on just two shot attempts - a reminder of his efficiency when he picks his spots.
It wasn’t a breakout performance, but it was a step in the right direction. The Spartans don’t need Ugochukwu to take over games, but if he can provide steady contributions like this, it adds another layer to their depth.
Cam Ward - B+
Cam Ward continues to carve out a valuable role off the bench. The freshman guard scored eight points on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting, grabbed three rebounds, and swatted two shots.
The wrist injury that slowed him earlier this season looks like a thing of the past. Ward brings toughness and energy - the kind of traits that Tom Izzo covets.
If he can clean up his free throw shooting, he’ll be even more dangerous.
Jordan Scott - B+
Jordan Scott made the most of his 17 minutes, contributing eight points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal. He also knocked down two of his three attempts from deep, showing confidence and control in his shot selection.
Alongside Ward, Scott is part of a freshman duo that continues to impress in limited minutes. He was a play or two away from earning an A, but this was another step forward.
Kur Teng - B
Kur Teng responded well after a tough moment with Izzo during the Oregon game. Against Maryland, he scored seven points on 3-of-7 shooting and showed improved effort on the defensive end - something that didn’t go unnoticed postgame. Teng’s offensive game is still developing, but Saturday was a good sign that he’s taking coaching to heart and bouncing back the right way.
Jesse McCulloch - B
Jesse McCulloch had a solid nine-minute shift. He scored three points, blocked a shot, and grabbed a rebound.
Yes, he got caught out of position on one defensive possession that led to a Maryland three, but outside of that, he was steady. McCulloch continues to show flashes of potential, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see his minutes increase as the season progresses.
Trey Fort - C
After playing the hero against Oregon, Trey Fort had a quieter afternoon. He went 0-for-2 from the field in nine minutes and didn’t leave much of a mark on the game.
That said, he also didn’t make any major mistakes - it was just one of those games where the opportunity to shine didn’t quite materialize. The Spartans know what he’s capable of, and one off night doesn’t change that.
Denham Wojcik - B-
Denham Wojcik did exactly what Izzo asks of him: come in, manage the game, and don’t turn the ball over. He spelled Fears for a few minutes, played solid defense, and even got his second bucket as a Spartan. He’s not going to fill up the box score, but he’s reliable - and sometimes, that’s exactly what a team needs from its backup point guard.
The Walk-Ons - Incomplete
Colin Walton, Brennan Walton, and Nick Sanders each got two minutes of action late in the game. None of them scored, and the trio combined for just one shot attempt. Izzo did have a playful jab at Sanders for passing up an open look, but with such limited time, there’s not enough to fairly grade their performances.
Final Word
This was the kind of win that reminds you what Michigan State basketball looks like when it’s firing on all cylinders - unselfish ball movement, stifling defense, and contributions up and down the roster. Jeremy Fears made history, but the supporting cast showed why this team is built for more than just one-man heroics. With Hate Week on the horizon, the Spartans are hitting their stride - and the rest of the Big Ten should be paying attention.