Michigan State Breaks Program Record in 106-72 Win Over Northern Iowa

It was raining threes in East Lansing.

Michigan State set a program record for the most three-pointers made in a single game, knocking down 18 in a dominant 106-72 win over Northern Iowa.

This matchup could have been closer than many expected, with the Panthers averaging more than 90 points per game and the Spartans coming off a grueling top-five showdown against Duke. However, Michigan State was up to the task, carrying the momentum from its previous win into the Breslin Center. Unfortunately for Northern Iowa, the Panthers had to weather the storm.

It was all Michigan State from beginning to end, as the Spartans dominated with stellar shooting throughout the game.

Michigan State finished the first half shooting 57% from the field and an incredible 10-for-16 (63%) from three-point range. The starters combined to shoot 8-for-10 from beyond the arc during the opening 20 minutes.

The Spartans continued their impressive shooting in the second half, finishing the game 28-for-58 (48%) from the field and 18-for-37 (49%) from three-point range.

Michigan State also dominated the glass, winning the rebounding battle 46-28, while shooting 74% from the free-throw line.

It was a record-breaking performance for the program, with 18 three-pointers setting a new single-game record. Here are the three stars who helped make history.

Jeremy Fears knocked down his first three three-point attempts, with each one looking cleaner than the last.

His ability to distribute the basketball has never been in question, but his ability to consistently knock down three-pointers was beginning to draw some questions. Fears opened the season with the Spartans' first points by knocking down a step-in three. From there, however, he went 0-for-7.

He put those questions to rest against Northern Iowa, drilling three after three.

Fears went nearly the entire first half shooting 100% from the field before missing his first shot attempt, a free throw, with seconds remaining. Still, he led the team at halftime with 19 points and four assists.

There was no slowing down in the second half. Fears continued finding the right teammates with his passes while staying hot from the field.

He even delivered one magnificent pass that rivaled the speed of Jacob Misiorowski.

Fears finished with a game-high 24 points, shooting 6-for-7 from the field, 4-for-5 from three-point range and 8-for-9 from the free-throw line. He also added a game-high nine assists.

Jasiah Jervis wasted no time getting involved, knocking down his first three-point attempt before following it up with a second three.

After his hot start, Jervis took a back seat and allowed the rest of the team to flourish. However, as the second half began and Northern Iowa started battling back, Jervis stepped up again.

He knocked down his third three-pointer of the game on his third attempt, pushing the Spartans' lead back to 15 points.

When Northern Iowa cut the deficit to 11, Michigan State dialed up Jervis' number again, and he delivered with his fourth consecutive three-point make.

He was magnificent shooting the basketball and is far and away the best shooter the Spartans have had in a very long time.

It's only his fourth game at the college level, and he's already dominating in nearly every facet of the game. Jervis continued showcasing his offensive prowess until the final whistle, finishing with his first 20-point performance.

He went 7-for-9 from the field, 5-for-6 from three-point range and 1-for-2 from the free-throw line. He also added five rebounds, tied with four other players for the second-most on the team.

Jordan Scott kicked off the game with a three-pointer from the corner before recording a steal on the ensuing defensive possession.

He knocked down his second three early as the Spartans unleashed their three-point barrage on Northern Iowa.

Michigan State showed no signs of fatigue following its massive win over Duke, especially Scott, who led the team in rebounds against the Blue Devils and was once again leading the Spartans on the glass through the first 10 minutes.

Unfortunately, with 11:53 remaining in the second half, Scott suffered an injury and was forced to leave the game.

After coming out, he was seen cheering on his teammates with an ice pack taped to his right shoulder. It didn't appear to be anything particularly gruesome, but it's still a scary sight for Spartan fans, especially considering how pivotal Scott has been to the team's early-season success.

Scott did not return, and his injury will be something to monitor moving forward.

Despite having his night cut short, Scott finished with 11 points, tied with Coen Carr for the third-most on the team. He shot 3-for-7 from the field and 3-for-5 from three-point range while adding five rebounds before his injury derailed his performance.

Next up, the Spartans will take their undefeated 4-0 record on the road for a true road matchup in Knoxville, Tennessee, against the No. 11 Tennessee Volunteers.

It will be another difficult test for Michigan State, which already has a marquee victory over Duke under its belt.

This has the makings of one of the best games of the year, and Spartan fans will have to stay up late to catch it. The Spartans and Volunteers are scheduled to tip off at 9 p.m. EST on Tuesday night.