Michigan State didn’t just beat Duke on Tuesday night. The Spartans put together a full, ruthless performance, and the film backs up what the final result already said: they controlled the game on both ends.
Tom Izzo even had the kind of sideline presence that matched the moment. Instead of the usual red-faced intensity, he was caught leaning against the scorer’s table, looking as relaxed as he ever does. He was also wearing the Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack “Green Spark,” which only added to the scene.
The defensive story belonged to Jordan Scott, who delivered what can only be described as a masterclass. His first two blocks came on consecutive possessions, and he stayed just as locked in on the third one.
Even before the swat, his on-ball defense stood out. The fourth and fifth blocks came from the weak side, which is not something you expect from a wing.
Then came the sixth, the one that shut the door on any late Duke push.
There was also a photo captured by Marvin Hall of Spartans Illustrated that summed up the moment well, with the Duke mascot holding up three fingers on the baseline.
On the other end, Jeremy Fears Jr. played like the engine of everything Michigan State wanted to do. He finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and 11 assists, coming close to a triple-double while forcing both teams to play at his pace. Duke simply didn’t have the speed to keep up.
One sequence in particular showed exactly why he was so hard to handle. After stripping Wisconsin-transfer John Blackwell, Fears pushed the ball coast-to-coast and finished an and-one layup. That basket gave the Spartans their biggest lead of the night and drew the loudest reaction from the United Center.
Then there were the freshmen guards, Jasiah Jervis and CJ Medlock, who added another layer to the offense with shot creation off the dribble. Jervis knocked down two stepback jumpers, including a behind-the-back move that gave him enough space to rise over Cayden Boozer. Medlock answered with a slick pull-back dribble before burying his first three from the top of the key.
Michigan State got elite defense, pace control from Fears, and shot-making from young guards who looked more than ready for the stage. It was the kind of complete game that leaves plenty on film to admire.
In Other News...
Mel Tucker Is Trying To Change The Vibe Around Spartan Football
With Washington coming to town, Michigan State has spent the lead-up trying to make sure the atmosphere matches the opponent. Mel Tucker and athletic director Dan Bartholomae have been out in the student community, making the rounds at local bars, speaking directly to students and pushing them to show up and bring some life back to Spartan football. The pitch has gone beyond words, too, with tickets and concession vouchers handed out as part of the effort.
It is the kind of outreach that says the program understands the game-day vibe has become part of the story around this team. Michigan State is trying to tighten the bond between the football program and the Spartan community, and the timing matters with a marquee nonconference game on deck. Whether all of that translates into a fuller student section and a louder stadium will be one of the more interesting things to watch once kickoff arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Ben Roberts Could Change Everything For MSU Against Washington
Michigan States injury report is starting to look a little more encouraging heading into Washington, and the biggest name on it is defensive lineman Ben Roberts. After being sidelined by injury, Roberts has been upgraded to questionable for the matchup, a sign the Spartans may be getting closer to full strength at a spot where depth can matter in a hurry. Cornerbacks Charles Brantley and Tre Bell, along with backup quarterback Cam Fancher, are also in the questionable mix, leaving plenty of uncertainty as the Spartans prepare for a game that could hinge on availability as much as scheme.
Washington has its own injury question to sort through with star quarterback Demond Williams Jr. also listed as questionable, adding another layer to a game already shaped by health concerns on both sides. Michigan State coach Pat Fitzgerald has said he is hopeful some of the injured players can work their way back later this season, which makes this week feel like more than just a single-game update. For a team trying to stabilize itself, getting Roberts back on the field could be a meaningful step if he is able to go. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan State Women Just Showed How Dangerous This Deep Roster Can Be
Michigan States women kept rolling with a 91-50 win over Oakland, and the most encouraging part for the Spartans was how many different players shaped the game. Theryn Hallock set the tone with a strong all-around showing, while freshmen Manique Bobongie and Lily Williams made their presence felt on both ends of the floor. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone this roster has more than one way to take control of a game.
Kennedy Blair added another layer to that depth with aggressive defense, rebounding and playmaking as Michigan State stayed comfortably ahead throughout. For a team trying to build momentum, wins like this matter not just because of the margin, but because they show how quickly the rotation can produce impact from top to bottom. The Spartans looked deep, active and difficult to match, which is exactly the sort of problem opponents will have to solve going forward. [Read more 🡒]