Michigan State Basketball: Stock Watch After Iowa Blowout

Michigan State basketball steam-rolled Iowa on Tuesday to deliver the Hawkeyes their first loss of the Ben McCollum era. After starting 7-0 on the season and 5-0 on the scoreboard, Iowa flamed out from three-point range tonight with MSU’s dominate defense and crowd atmosphere playing big roles in both struggles for the black and gold.

Iowa entered tonight shooting 38% from deep, and left the Breslin Center with a measly rate of 30%. Their general field goal percentage? Much worse at 37% compared to a season average of 53%.

And while much went wrong for the Hawkeyes, this actually might be something that Iowa needs. After starting the season playing only one team in the top 50 in Kenpom Rankings, tonight was Iowa’s first time playing a team in the top ten, and in McCollum’s own words in the postgame press conference, “We got exposed tonight.”

The Spartans did not play good enough either though according to Izzo. The long-tenured head coach said his team, “did not shoot well enough again” after posting a 25% three-point percentage with only three triples during tonight’s contest.

Here’s some of the Stock Up and Stock Down from the opening game of Big Ten play.

Stock Up: Forward Jaxon Kohler

With Carson Cooper having a rough game tonight, Kohler stood up and shined bright for the Spartans tonight. Kohler not only scored 12 points, but more importantly, grabbed 11 total rebounds with four of them on the offensive side of things.

Even though the Utah man missed two triples, he made up for it down low with two blocks in almost 30 minutes of gametime. Kohler even added two free throws at the line when he was fouled. The big man does big things.

Stock Down: Center Carson Cooper

Cooper did not have a bad game, but was just not as needed as he usually is.  With Iowa running a smaller lineup consistently, the Spartans wanted to match the Hawkeyes speed and agility on the court with a heavier guard and forward lineup. Plus, getting into early foul trouble does not help to his case either.

Cooper also had five turnovers, something that Izzo mentioned that surprised him.  “Maybe Coop just had a rough game. It happens but that wasn’t him out there.”

Finishing the game with three total points and one block, Cooper did not affect the stat line like he usually does. It even reflects it in his minutes played, playing only 19 and a half. Coop has something to look forward to though, as Duke on Saturday will not run a smaller lineup, so the big man from Jackson (MI.) will be expected to be on point this upcoming weekend.

Stock Up: Guard Jeremy Fears Jr.

The floor general had another incredible performance Tuesday. In 30 minutes, Fears had 14 points and six assists, good enough for the second most points for the team. And although the redshirt sophomore missed a couple of closer shots, as did every other Spartan, Fears made it up with his usual antics and mind games.

While Iowa was at the free throw line, Fears gave out fake directions to his teammates right in front of the Hawkeyes face. After a bad last-second shot to end the first half, Fears immediately went over to Izzo and took constructive criticism for his bad possession.

Fears has an uncanny ability that the Spartans have missed dearly in their guard play. He really knows how to lead. Izzo spoke about it after that game, “When Draymond (Green) was here, he talked the entire huddle. Jeremy is starting to talk in the huddle. I have realized if I let guys like Draymond and Jeremy talk in the huddle, it’s an easier job for me.”

Stock Up: Forward Jordan Scott

The freshman from Maryland really stepped up in his role after Cam Ward was out with a wrist injury. Scott’s six points and five rebounds helped the green and white when they needed it most, and Scott is really coming into his own on the defensive side of the court.

Taking a more in-tune look at Scott’s game, he had two steals, and the biggest part? Of the five rebounds, three of them were offensive.  McCollum said that the Spartans exceled at second-chance opportunities all night, and Scott was a big reason why.

Michigan State basketball is back in action on Saturday, as the Spartans host Duke at noon EST.