The Spartans were tested early this season — as they usually are. The then-ranked #22 Michigan State Spartans hosted #14 Arkansas on Saturday night in East Lansing, and it was a classic Breslin slugfest. The game featured 11 lead changes in the first half and remained within a single possession for most of the night before MSU landed the final blow to seal a gritty three-point win.

Freshman Cam Ward led the Spartans with 18 points and 10 rebounds — both team highs — all coming off the bench. Ward continues to prove he’s the real deal. If fans don’t know his name now, they will by March.

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Veteran forward Coen Carr added 15 points and seven rebounds, while Jaxon Kohler chipped in 10 points and seven boards of his own. Fellow freshman Jordan Scott contributed seven rebounds and six points, showing flashes of the two-way potential that has coaches excited.

Despite shooting just 1-for-14 from three-point range, the Spartans outworked Arkansas on the glass and leaned on tough, physical defense to earn the win.

Before questions began, Tom Izzo opened his postgame presser with a few key takeaways:

“Nineteen offensive rebounds.”

“Two freshmen were really, really, really good — Cam Ward was especially good.”

“Coen Carr’s best overall game since he’s been here.”

“Great weekend for the Spartans.”

Izzo Praises the Freshmen

When asked about his young frontcourt, Izzo didn’t hold back his praise.

“I was proud of both guys,” Izzo said. “Cam’s tougher than nails — Andre Hudson-ish. Nothing bothers Cam. He made some nice passes. Jordan did some good things too — it’s a shame he missed those two free throws.”

Izzo added that Scott “kind of reminds me of Max Christie — we didn’t think Max was a great defender, but he turned out to be.”

The freshmen were the story of the night. Carr provided an early spark with eight of MSU’s first 14 points, while Ward and Scott controlled the glass and brought energy every possession. Ward, in particular, looked like a future star — strong, poised, and relentless on the boards.

On the Late-Game Response

Asked whether he expected the late surge, Izzo credited his team’s toughness — and the Breslin Center crowd.

“I’d expect that out of us,” Izzo said. “It makes you realize how important our fans are. Home court advantage in basketball is bigger than football. The fans hung in there with us — they didn’t drop off. I’m appreciative of that.”

Izzo went on to praise the Spartan fan base, calling them a crucial part of MSU’s culture and momentum. He noted that as much as he values early road tests, big home games like this are something the fans and media deserve too.

On Jeremy Fears’ Tough Night

Jeremy Fears Jr. struggled offensively, going 0-for-7 from the field and missing two free throws, but Izzo didn’t hesitate to take some blame.

“Jeremy missed a couple layups, a wide-open three, and two from the line. I think that’s more fatigue — not because he’s out of shape, but because his coach played him to death,” Izzo said. “He’s going to have games like Mateen did, like Draymond did. He’s getting better — really, it’s only his second year if you think about what he’s gone through.”

Izzo mentioned he’d likely give Fears some rest in MSU’s upcoming game against San Jose State before the high-profile matchup with Kentucky next Tuesday.

On John Calipari

Asked about his relationship with Kentucky head coach John Calipari, Izzo said:

“I do talk to Cal a lot. He gets misconstrued sometimes — he’s funny, but he’s really smart. What I love about him is he truly cares about the game. I watched him on a podcast recently and said, ‘Wow, I agree with everything he said.’”

Izzo noted that their wives met for the first time at this game, though he and Cal talk “all the time.”

On Shot Selection and Team Identity

When asked about the team’s lone made three-pointer, Izzo joked:

“I think we did that on purpose. It’s a shame we made that one three.”

Then, turning serious:

“Our plan was to go inside. We’re not shooting the ball great, it’s no secret. But shooters have to be able to guard, too — and some of our best shooters can’t guard yet.”

Izzo added a statement that sent a clear message to the rest of college basketball:

“At the end of the day, unfortunately, winning might not be at the top of every other team’s list. But today, we showed winning is on the top of Michigan State’s list.”

It was a subtle but pointed reminder that Michigan State’s culture — and Izzo’s legacy — are built on toughness and team-first basketball.

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Culture and Community

Izzo closed the press conference with praise for other Michigan State programs, noting the hockey team’s sweep of Penn State and the men’s soccer team’s Big Ten title appearance.

“I’ve always been about the athletic program — not just the basketball program,” he said.

It was a fitting reminder of why Tom Izzo remains the face of Michigan State athletics — a coach who represents not just a team, but an entire university community.

Up Next

Michigan State will return home to face San Jose State on Thursday, November 13th at 6:30 PM EST, before their marquee matchup with Kentucky next Tuesday.