On a chilly Tuesday night in East Lansing, the Breslin Center had all the energy of a March showdown-even though the calendar still reads December. Michigan State men’s basketball brought the heat early and never let up, delivering a convincing performance against Iowa that showcased the depth, athleticism, and grit Tom Izzo’s squad is starting to lean into as the season picks up steam.
From the jump, it was clear Michigan State came ready to work. Freshman point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. set the tone early, drawing contact and converting tough plays with a confidence that belies his age. His first-half spark, including a drawn foul that had the crowd roaring, helped MSU establish momentum-and they didn’t look back.
Fears wasn’t just putting on a show offensively. His poise in orchestrating the offense and his willingness to get physical on defense gave the Spartans a steady hand at the point. That’s the kind of presence Izzo loves in his floor generals, and Fears is growing into that role game by game.
The first half also featured some classic Izzo fire. The veteran coach had words with the officials after a call he didn’t like, and while that’s nothing new, it’s a reminder of how locked in he is-even in early-season conference play. That intensity, as always, trickled down to his players.
On the court, Michigan State’s frontcourt made its presence felt. Carson Cooper was active in the paint, moving the ball well and battling on both ends.
Jaxon Kohler, back in the rotation, grabbed a key rebound in the second half that sparked a fast break-and the Breslin crowd let him hear it. Coen Carr added his own exclamation point with a powerful dunk that brought fans out of their seats.
Kaleb Glenn also had a strong showing, using his strength and footwork to create space against Iowa’s Cooper Koch. Glenn’s physicality gave the Spartans another edge in the frontcourt, something they’ll need as Big Ten play grinds on.
Defensively, MSU stayed disciplined. Iowa guard Tavion Banks tried to get things going for the Hawkeyes, but the Spartans’ length and rotations made clean looks hard to come by. Whether it was Cooper contesting shots or Kur Teng staying locked in on the perimeter, Michigan State made Iowa work for every bucket.
Even Jesse McCulloch, one of the newer faces in the rotation, got in on the action. He showed flashes of his potential while battling Iowa’s Cam Manyawu in the post. It’s clear Izzo is still experimenting with lineups, but the young bigs are getting valuable reps-and they’re making the most of them.
Off the court, the Breslin Center had a bit of a football flavor too. New Michigan State football coach Pat Fitzpatrick was spotted courtside, voicing his displeasure with a call like he’s already part of the Spartan family. That kind of crossover energy only adds to the atmosphere, and it’s clear Spartan Nation is rallying around its programs.
As for Iowa, head coach Ben McCollum spent much of the night trying to find answers. His team showed flashes, but couldn’t match Michigan State’s physicality or pace. The Hawkeyes will regroup, but this was a night where the Spartans simply imposed their will.
For Michigan State, this win was more than just another mark in the W column. It was a statement that this team, while still developing, is starting to find its identity. The freshmen are growing up fast, the veterans are setting the tone, and Izzo-well, he’s doing what he’s always done: building a team that plays hard, plays smart, and plays together.
It’s still early, but nights like this remind you why the Breslin Center is one of the toughest places to play in college basketball. And if this group keeps trending upward, it might not be long before they’re making noise in March.