Michigan State Heads to Minnesota: Spartans Lean on Core Four in Crucial Big Ten Road Test
Michigan State hits the road again this Wednesday night for a Big Ten clash with Minnesota - their fourth away game in the last six. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on BTN, and while the Spartans have been road-tested lately, this group has shown it has the depth, balance, and grit to handle the grind.
At 19-3 overall and 9-2 in conference play, Michigan State enters the matchup ranked No. 10 in both the AP and Coaches polls. They’re one of just a dozen programs in the country with double-digit Quad 1 and Quad 2 wins - a testament to their strength of schedule and consistency against top-tier opponents.
But the Spartans aren't just racking up wins - they’re doing it with a brand of basketball that’s true to Tom Izzo’s DNA: defend, rebound, and run.
Defense, Boards, and Transition Buckets
This year's Spartans are checking all the classic Izzo boxes. They're holding opponents to just 64.4 points per game, good for 12th in the nation. Per KenPom, they rank second in adjusted defensive efficiency - a number that reflects both their ability to contest shots and limit second chances.
Speaking of second chances, Michigan State is dominating the glass. They’re No. 2 in the country in rebound margin (+13.1) and pull down over 41 boards per game. That kind of rebounding presence not only controls tempo but fuels their transition attack - and MSU is making teams pay in the open floor, averaging 17.1 fast break points per game, tops in the Big Ten and 13th nationally.
Fears Jr. and the Core Four
If you’ve been watching this team, you know the engine starts with Jeremy Fears Jr. The redshirt sophomore point guard is putting together a season that’s hard to ignore - 14.9 points and 8.8 assists per game, the latter ranking second in the nation. He’s already dished out 193 assists and is fresh off back-to-back Big Ten Co-Player of the Week honors after averaging 30 points and 8 assists over two games.
Fears is one of four captains - along with seniors Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler, and junior Coen Carr - who have become the heartbeat of this squad. Together, they account for nearly two-thirds of Michigan State’s scoring and over half of its rebounds and assists. It’s rare to see such a balanced, productive leadership group, and Izzo has leaned into their chemistry all season.
Jaxon Kohler continues to be a force in the paint. He’s averaging 13.1 points and 9.1 rebounds per game - second in the Big Ten and 31st nationally on the glass. He recently became the first player under Izzo to post five straight double-doubles and has hit double figures in 20 of 22 games.
Coen Carr brings explosive athleticism and versatility. He’s averaging 11.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while playing nearly 28 minutes a night. His ability to guard multiple positions and finish in transition gives MSU a dynamic edge.
Then there’s Carson Cooper, who’s quietly putting together a career year. He’s logging 26.1 minutes per game, averaging 10.5 points and 7.3 rebounds, and has notched double figures 13 times. His 16-point, 16-rebound performance against Duke and 19-point showing at Oregon were statement games.
Depth That Delivers
Beyond the core four, Michigan State has built a rotation that goes nine deep with players averaging double-digit minutes. That kind of depth is critical in the Big Ten, especially during the dog days of February.
Freshman Kur Teng has flashed scoring ability, including a 15-point outing against Kentucky. Divine Ugochukwu is finding his rhythm, coming off a strong all-around performance at Rutgers. Cam Ward and Jordan Scott continue to contribute on the boards and in spot scoring roles, while veterans like Trey Fort and Denham Wojcik provide leadership and stability off the bench.
Road Warriors
Wednesday’s game marks the 142nd all-time meeting between Michigan State and Minnesota, with the Spartans holding a 79-62 edge in the series. They’ve won 11 of the last 13 matchups and four of the last six in Minneapolis. But every Big Ten road game is a battle, and Minnesota will be looking to play spoiler against a top-10 opponent.
For Michigan State, it’s another opportunity to sharpen their identity - defend, rebound, and run - and to lean on a veteran core that’s been carrying the load all season. If the Spartans can bring their usual edge on the glass and get Fears Jr. orchestrating in transition, they’ll be tough to beat.
The Big Ten is a grind, but this team looks built for it.