If you're frantically checking your phone to see what's the score of the msu basketball game, you caught the Spartans at the right time. Tom Izzo’s squad just wrapped up a clinical performance in the Pacific Northwest. Michigan State beat Washington 80-63 on Saturday night, proving that this team’s defense travels just as well as their fan base.
It wasn't just a win. It was a statement.
Jeremy Fears Jr. looked like the best floor general in the Big Ten, dropping 19 points and keeping the Huskies in a blender for most of the second half. Honestly, watching him navigate the pick-and-roll right now is a treat for anyone who loves old-school Spartan basketball. He was 6-of-9 from the floor and basically lived at the free-throw line, where he knocked down 7-of-8.
Breaking Down the Big Win in Seattle
Seattle hasn't seen the Spartans in person since 1957, but the green and white made themselves right at home at Alaska Airlines Arena. The crowd had over 2,000 Spartan fans who made enough noise to make it feel like a mini-Breslin West.
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The game started tight. Washington actually led 10-9 early on, and for a second, it felt like one of those trap games where the road team struggles to find their legs. Then, the defense tightened. Michigan State went on a 10-0 run to take control, and they never really looked back. By halftime, the score was 39-31.
Key Performance Stats from the Washington Game
- Jeremy Fears Jr.: 19 points, 5 assists, 3 steals.
- Kur Teng: 11 points (including three huge 3-pointers off the bench).
- Carson Cooper: 10 points and 6 rebounds, providing that interior toughness Izzo demands.
- Team Defense: Held Washington to just 31.6% from the field.
The Huskies tried to make a push in the second half, cutting the lead to five at one point. But every time Washington got close, a Spartan stepped up. Usually, it was Fears getting to the rim or Kur Teng hitting a back-breaker from deep. The final buzzer saw a 17-point margin that probably felt even wider to the Washington faithful.
Where Do the Spartans Stand Now?
This victory moves Michigan State to 16-2 overall and 6-1 in the Big Ten. That’s a massive record for mid-January. They are currently ranked No. 12 in the nation, and after this performance, they might be knocking on the door of the Top 10.
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The Big Ten race is absolute chaos this year, as usual. With Nebraska and Illinois also playing high-level ball, every road win is worth its weight in gold. Losing Desmond Claude to health concerns was a huge blow for Washington, but you can only play who is in front of you.
Looking Ahead: The Next Few Games
The road trip isn't over. The Spartans have to stay out west for a bit longer, which is always a grind with the time zone changes and the travel.
Upcoming MSU Basketball Schedule:
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- At Oregon: Tuesday, Jan 20. This is going to be a slugfest at Matthew Knight Arena.
- Vs Maryland: Saturday, Jan 24. Back home at the Breslin Center for Alumni Day.
- At Rutgers: Tuesday, Jan 27. A tough environment at Jersey Mike's Arena.
- Vs Michigan: Friday, Jan 30. The big one. Rivalry night in East Lansing.
If you are planning to attend the Maryland or Michigan games, good luck finding tickets. They are already listed as sold out on the official site, so you’ll be hitting the secondary markets if you haven't secured your seat yet.
What Most Fans Are Missing About This Team
Everyone talks about the scoring, but the real story is the rebounding. Jaxon Kohler and Cam Ward combined for 14 boards against Washington. That "war on the boards" mentality is what separates January Spartans from March Spartans.
Also, don't sleep on the bench. Having a guy like Kur Teng come in and provide instant offense takes the pressure off the starters. In years past, if the starting guards had an off night, the offense would stagnate. This year? There’s a lot more depth to work with.
Actionable Insights for Spartan Fans
If you're following the team closely, keep an eye on the injury reports for the Oregon game. Playing two high-intensity road games in four days is a big ask for any rotation.
- Watch the early minutes against Oregon: If the Spartans can establish the paint early like they did in Seattle, they should be able to dictate the tempo.
- Check the standings: Keep a close eye on the Purdue and Michigan results this week, as those will determine where MSU sits in the Big Ten tournament seeding race.
- Set your DVR: The Oregon game is a late one (9 PM ET), so caffeine up if you’re watching from the East Coast.
The Spartans are playing some of their most cohesive basketball in years. Whether you're tracking what's the score of the msu basketball game live or catching the highlights later, it's clear that Izzo has this group peaking at the right time.