MSU Freshmen Step Up in Statement Win Over Illinois
Michigan State’s 85-82 win over Illinois wasn’t just a much-needed bounce-back-it was a coming-of-age performance for two of the Spartans’ youngest contributors. Freshmen Cam Ward and Jordan Scott didn’t just show up in a high-pressure Big Ten battle-they delivered. And in a game where every possession mattered, their impact was undeniable.
Izzo’s Freshmen Shine in the Spotlight
“Both of my freshmen played really well,” head coach Tom Izzo said postgame. “They both did a heck of a job in a big-time environment. I was proud of both of them.”
Izzo’s been around long enough to know when a player turns a corner, and Saturday felt like one of those nights for both Scott and Ward. They weren’t just filling minutes-they were difference-makers.
Ward has been a steady presence down low all season, even with a hand injury slowing his early development. But when healthy, he’s been a physical force in the paint, and his effort against Illinois was a reminder of what he brings to the floor.
As for Scott, the freshman guard has played himself into a starting role with relentless defense and high-energy play. Against Illinois, he backed up that promotion in a big way.
Scott’s Grit Sets the Tone
The tone was set early-just under four minutes into the game, Scott took an elbow to the head diving for a loose ball. He left the court with a towel over his face and a cut above his right eye.
But just a few minutes later, he was back. With a white bandage above his eye and fire in his game, he re-entered and immediately knocked down a jumper.
From that point on, Scott was everywhere. He defended like his scholarship depended on it, chased down loose balls, and brought a physical edge that matched the energy inside the Breslin Center.
His primary assignment? Illinois guard Keaton Wagler-a scoring machine averaging over 18 points per game, and the frontrunner for Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
Scott made life miserable for Wagler. He stayed glued to him, contested everything, and disrupted Illinois’ offensive rhythm. Wagler finished just 2-for-16 from the field, with most of his 16 points coming late when the game was already slipping away.
“We did what we had to do, and that was contain Wagler,” Izzo said. “Scott did a very good job.
He has a sense of urgency-that’s why I started him. He defends, he gets loose balls, and now he’s making shots.”
Scott’s stat line backed it up: 10 points on 3-of-6 shooting, four rebounds, and a few clutch moments sprinkled in. He hit a big three to tie the game midway through the second half and calmly knocked down two free throws with under two minutes left to cut the lead to one. But his biggest contributions came on the other end-defensive stops, hustle plays, and the kind of grit that doesn’t show up in a box score.
Ward Brings the Muscle in the Paint
While Scott was locking things down on the perimeter, Ward was battling in the trenches. Illinois brought size-7-foot-2 Croatian twins Tomislav and Zvonimir Ivisic-but Ward didn’t blink. Despite giving up inches and experience, he held his own, using his frame and footwork to create space, draw contact, and finish around the rim.
His signature moment came early: a powerful dunk over Zvonimir Ivisic that sent the crowd into a frenzy and gave MSU a jolt of momentum. It wasn’t just a highlight-it was a message. Ward wasn’t backing down.
He finished with eight points on 3-of-4 shooting, grabbed seven rebounds, and played strong, physical defense throughout. It was his best outing since a 16-point performance against Arkansas, and one Izzo was clearly thrilled to see.
“Jordan Scott did a heck of a job, and let me tell you, so did Cam Ward,” Izzo said. “I felt as good for Cam Ward as I do anybody.
He brought energy and is a phenomenal defender. If anybody needed a game like this, it was him.”
Veterans Deliver, But Freshmen Made the Difference
Yes, the headlines will go to sophomore guard Jeremy Fears and senior forward Jaxon Kohler-and rightfully so. Fears poured in 26 points and dished out 15 assists, including 11 points in overtime.
Kohler added 11 points and a monster 16 rebounds. After a week of scrutiny, both veterans answered the call.
But this win wasn’t just about the stars. It was about the foundation being laid by two freshmen who’ve quietly kept the Spartans afloat through the ups and downs of the season.
Ward and Scott didn’t just play-they competed. And in a conference where toughness and execution win games, they showed they belong.
Last year, Michigan State turned its season around with a midseason win over Illinois. This year, history repeated itself-with a new cast of characters leading the charge.
The Spartans now look ahead to a road test against Wisconsin on Friday, Feb. 13. With Scott and Ward growing more confident by the game, MSU might just be hitting its stride at the right time.