On a cold January afternoon in East Lansing, the Breslin Center was anything but quiet. Michigan State brought the heat against Maryland, turning a Big Ten matchup into a showcase of athleticism, energy, and cohesion. From the opening tip to the final buzzer, the Spartans played like a team with something to prove - and they did it in front of a home crowd that fed off every dunk, steal, and three-pointer.
Let’s start with the highlight reel - and Coen Carr might as well have had his own. The sophomore forward was electric, throwing down a series of emphatic dunks that sent the Breslin into a frenzy.
One in particular came in the second half, as Carr elevated over Maryland’s Solomon Washington and flushed it home with authority. The moment was punctuated by a grin from Carr and a fired-up reaction from teammate Jaxon Kohler - a snapshot of the energy this team is playing with right now.
Carr wasn’t just a dunk machine, though. He was active on both ends, battling for loose balls and challenging Maryland’s physicality inside. His effort set the tone, and the rest of the Spartans followed.
Jordan Scott made his mark from deep, knocking down a clutch three-pointer in the second half that helped keep Maryland at bay. His celebration with Jeremy Fears Jr. said it all - this team is starting to click, and the chemistry is building.
Speaking of Fears, the point guard orchestrated the offense with poise beyond his years. In the first half, he threaded a pass through traffic to set up a corner three, showing off his court vision and unselfishness.
Later, he got into the scoring column himself, driving past defenders and finishing at the rim. Fears is growing into his role as a floor general, and it’s starting to pay dividends for Michigan State.
Cam Ward brought toughness to the backcourt, absorbing contact and drawing fouls in the lane, while Trey Fort kept the ball moving and provided steady minutes off the bench. It’s that kind of depth that gives the Spartans flexibility - and when the starters need a breather, the energy doesn’t drop.
The frontcourt rotation also came through. Jesse McCulloch hit a smooth three-pointer over Maryland’s Collin Metcalf, stretching the floor and showing the kind of versatility that makes him such a valuable piece. Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper handled the interior with grit, with Kohler muscling in a tough bucket and Cooper swiping a key steal in the first half.
Kur Teng added to the offensive punch, getting into rhythm early and knocking down a jumper that helped Michigan State establish momentum. It was a balanced attack - the kind of team performance that head coach Tom Izzo loves to see.
From the bench, the camaraderie was evident. Fort, Ward, Fears Jr., and Carr were locked in, cheering on their teammates and staying engaged. That kind of bench energy matters - especially in conference play, where every possession counts and every spark helps.
This wasn’t just a win - it was a statement. Michigan State looked locked in, aggressive, and confident. The Spartans are starting to find their identity, and if this performance is any indication, they’re going to be a tough out down the stretch in the Big Ten.
The pieces are coming together. The talent is there. And at the Breslin Center on Saturday, Michigan State reminded everyone that when they’re locked in, they can run with anyone.