Michigan State Basketball: What’d we learn from the Michigan loss?

“We have guys who are trying to do stuff that they can’t do.”

That was Tom Izzo’s response when asked about his players looking different during the game. And that statement is not abnormal, as Michigan State basketball recorded stats that were polarizing and shockingly different than the way they normally play.

Carson Cooper finished the game with two total rebounds. Jeremy Fears and Jaxon Kohler finished a combined 3-for-12 from deep and besides Fears’ seven assists, no other player reached more than three.

Clearly something was different on Friday. Some could argue it was Michigan’s length and intensity that gave the Spartans problems. Some will argue it was the officiating that plagued both teams during the course of the second half. But what it really comes down to is the numbers.

Izzo did not get his welcome birthday present victory, with many of his friends and associates in the building, ready to celebrate it with him. Izzo did get a reset however, which could be more beneficial down the line.

Here are some quick takeaways from Friday’s contest:

Jeremy Fears is the go-to

All season long, the Spartans have been searching for their “go-to guy”.  A Jase Richardson, a Cassius Winston, a Kalin Lucas, a Miles Bridges, who would Tom Izzo turn to down by two with 15 seconds left. After the Michigan loss, the answer to that question is clear.

Jeremy Fears had a career-high 31 points against the Wolverines.  His career-high is the game after his previous record with 29 against Rutgers. Although Fears went 1-for-5 from deep, his 12 free throws and nine field goals were enough to be the first Spartan to score at least 30 points in a game since Tyson Walker scored 30 points against Indiana in 2023.

Fears has stepped into a new realm.  Michigan State’s success come March will likely depend on him. If he can step up, so will Michigan State.

The frontcourt needs to figure it out

Coming into the Michigan game, MSU’s frontcourt was at the top of the Big Ten. Jaxon Kohler is one of the best 3-point shooters on the team shooting 44 percent from deep.  Kohler and Carson Cooper combine to average 16.8 rebounds a game.

Against Michigan? Kohler and Cooper grabbed just seven rebounds together.  A number that to most seems low, especially against your rival in the biggest game of the season.

Kohler’s 3-point shooting also took a plunge against Michigan, going 2-for-7 deep. One of the most consistent shooters on the team did not show up when MSU needed him the most.

All in all, it’s only one game, but man it feels like this is the game that Michigan State basketball fans needed the frontcourt the most. Redshirt freshman Jesse McCulloch played sound defense against Aday Mara and Morez Johnson in his limited minutes off the bench, but other than that, no other positives arose from the night.