Michigan State Opens Season With Dominant 96-59 Win Over Quinnipiac

Questions surrounding Michigan State began swirling after its two exhibition losses to UConn and Marquette. However, following a tremendous victory to open the regular season, those concerns seemed to fade, at least for the moment.

The Spartans battled hard and looked exactly like the team Michigan State fans had anticipated seeing this season. Perhaps the best part was that Michigan State looked like a legitimate top-10 team from beginning to end.

Although the Spartans were opening their season against Quinnipiac, which may not be the most formidable opponent, the possibility of Michigan State coming out flat in the first half still loomed large. Last season, the Spartans struggled in several games to find an early offensive rhythm. That same problem carried into their exhibition matchups, allowing concerns about the team's ability to score early to grow.

Fortunately, those concerns were put to rest almost immediately.

Michigan State started the game shooting 4-for-7 from beyond the arc. The Spartans ultimately finished the first half 6-for-15 from three-point range before shooting 3-for-8 in the second half.

Veteran Kur Teng led the way from deep, knocking down three of his five attempts, while several other Spartans contributed three-pointers of their own.

Michigan State also showcased its return to "Rebound University," dominating the glass and outrebounding the Bobcats 46-27.

That was certainly a sight for sore eyes for Spartans fans, especially with Anton Bonke leading the team with 13 rebounds. His performance was particularly encouraging after playing just nine total minutes across Michigan State's final two exhibition games.

Bonke's limited playing time raised questions about whether he would become a regular contributor, especially considering he was the only transfer Tom Izzo brought to East Lansing.

He certainly made his case against Quinnipiac.

Bonke played 20 minutes, scored 11 points and added two emphatic blocks, tying Jordan Scott for the team lead. His 11 points also tied three other Spartans for third on the team.

Jeremy Fears Jr. led Michigan State in both scoring and assists, finishing with 13 points and 11 assists. It was an excellent start to what is expected to be a massive season for Fears, who entered the year as a betting favorite and preseason award contender for both the Wooden Award and Big Ten Player of the Year.

Coen Carr finished second on the team with 12 points while delivering his trademark slam dunks, igniting the crowd throughout the night.

Jordan Scott, Kur Teng and Kaleb Glenn each finished with 11 points, tying for third on the team.

Cam Ward led the bench with nine points, five rebounds and two steals. Carlos Medlock Jr. also contributed nine points while putting together an impressive performance in his first game.

Jasiah Jervis earned the start in his first collegiate game, and the freshman showed plenty of promise as he continues learning his role within the team.

Jervis finished with four points, shooting 1-for-6 from the field, 1-for-5 from three-point range and 1-for-2 from the free-throw line. While the shooting numbers weren't ideal, there is little reason for concern after one game. Making his first career start as a freshman comes with plenty of nerves, and those should settle as he becomes more comfortable.

As the first freshman to start a season opener for Izzo since Max Christie, Jervis has an opportunity to make an immediate impact. The highly regarded prospect will have plenty of opportunities to find his rhythm as the season progresses.

Overall, the Spartans appeared to shake off the rust that may have held them back during their exhibition games. Michigan State stuck to its strengths, found its offensive rhythm early and maintained its defensive intensity throughout the night.

After two disappointing exhibition performances, a 96-59 victory was exactly the kind of response Michigan State needed to begin the season.

The Spartans will return to action Thursday, November 5, against Toledo as they look to secure their second consecutive victory and build on an impressive opening-night performance against Quinnipiac.