Jeremy Fears Shines, but Jordan Scott’s Steady Rise Lifts Michigan State Over No. 5 Illinois
Saturday night in East Lansing had all the makings of a statement game - and Michigan State delivered. The Spartans edged out No.
5 Illinois in an 85-82 thriller, and while Jeremy Fears stole the spotlight with a jaw-dropping 26 points and 15 assists, this win was about more than just one star performance. It was about a team finding its rhythm - and a freshman finding his moment.
Let’s start with Fears, because what he’s doing right now isn’t just impressive - it’s elite. The sophomore guard completely took over down the stretch, running the offense with poise, scoring at will, and dishing out dimes like a seasoned pro.
This wasn’t just another big game for Fears; it was another chapter in what’s quickly becoming an All-American campaign. Over the past month, he’s been one of the most impactful players in the country, and Saturday night was further proof.
When Michigan State needed a closer, Fears answered - again.
But what makes this win so promising for the Spartans is how many other names stepped up. Jaxon Kohler, Carson Cooper, Coen Carr - all brought something to the table. And then there’s Jordan Scott.
The freshman forward, now firmly planted in the starting lineup, continues to look like anything but a first-year player. He finished with 10 points and four rebounds on 3-of-6 shooting, but the box score doesn’t tell the whole story.
What stood out was his composure. Big moment?
Bright lights? Top-five opponent?
None of it seemed to faze him.
That calm under pressure is exactly why Tom Izzo can’t stop talking about him. After the game, Izzo didn’t hold back, calling Scott “the perfect human being as a basketball player” and praising his fearless approach.
“The guy doesn’t have a nervous bone in his entire body,” Izzo said. And you can see it - in the way Scott defends, moves without the ball, and knocks down shots with confidence.
Since stepping into the starting five, Scott has averaged 12.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game. He’s shooting 57% from the floor and 50% from deep - efficient, smart basketball that’s helping the Spartans click on both ends. This was his third straight game in double figures, and he’s doing it all while playing within the flow of the offense.
What’s more, Scott’s impact isn’t just on the scoreboard. His defense on Illinois standout Keaton Wagler was a game-changer.
Wagler finished with 16 points, but he shot just 2-of-16 from the field - and 10 of those points came from the free throw line. Scott made him work for everything, contesting shots, fighting through screens, and staying disciplined.
One of Wagler’s two field goals came in the final seconds of overtime, long after Scott had already made his mark.
With Divine Ugochukwu sidelined due to injury, Michigan State needed someone to step into a bigger role. Those minutes were expected to be split between Scott, Kur Teng, and Trey Fort.
But Scott has taken that opportunity and run with it. He’s giving Izzo quality minutes, two-way production, and a level of maturity that’s rare for a freshman.
Bottom line: Jordan Scott may not be the flashiest name on the roster, but he’s becoming one of the most important. He defends, rebounds, scores when needed, and never looks rattled. In a tight game against a top-five team, that kind of presence matters.
Michigan State is starting to look like a team that’s rounding into form at just the right time - and with Fears leading the charge and Scott emerging as a reliable starter, the Spartans may have found the balance they’ve been searching for all season.