The Michigan State Spartans entered the preseason ranked No. 22 despite losing 67% of their scoring from last year. The questions were obvious and loud: Can this team shoot? A high-flying freshman who seemed to jump out of the gym—but can he shoot? A floor general with elite vision—but can he shoot? The entire preseason storyline essentially boiled down to one thing: can anyone shoot?

Through the first three games, the Spartans looked solid, scoring around 80 points twice and averaging 76 points per game. Even in their ranked win over Arkansas, where they hit only one three-pointer, Michigan State found offense through two-pointers and free throws. They were 3–0 for the first time in four years, but one major concern lingered:

Would the lack of proven shooting eventually burn them?

Last night, the Spartans answered that question like the heavens opened and Tom Izzo himself was handed a divine gift. Whether they drank the Monster Juice from Space Jam or simply embraced their first road test with focus and swagger, they came out firing.

Michigan State made the trip to Madison Square Garden for the Champions Classic matchup with No. 12 Kentucky. After three home games and fresh travel legs, many expected the Wildcats to roll. Vegas had Kentucky favored by as much as -5.5 before sliding to -4.5 at tip-off.

Then came Izzo’s pregame interview. Asked what he wanted to see, he smiled and said, “Some shots fall in.”

They did. And then some. Especially from three-point range.

It was like a 21st birthday at the Rick's—11 shots dropped, and everyone walked out dazed.

College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) on X The Floor General and the Kohler Bear went OFF today. Jaxon Kohler: 20 Points 8/12 FG 2/2 3PT 5 Rebounds Jeremy Fears Jr.: 8 Points 6 Rebounds 13 Assists 3 Steals 2 Turnovers

This was a team that made one three vs Arkansas. Their season-high coming into the night was six. No one expected 33 points from deep to be one of MSU’s primary weapons.

Michigan State hit five of its first seven three-point attempts and scored 15 of its first 17 points from long range. They ended the first half with seven made threes and added four more after halftime, torching Kentucky 83–66.

The Wildcats, meanwhile, struggled badly from deep, firing up desperation shots and getting bullied inside when they missed. They finished 7-of-30 from three. Michigan State? 11-of-22 — a clean 50%.

The Spartans led by 17 at halftime and never truly relinquished control. Kentucky made occasional pushes to cut the lead to single digits, but every time momentum swung, Michigan State punched back with a Carr dunk or another three. They stayed composed and played with the confidence of a team that expected to win.

Suddenly, this MSU squad looks… special.

A 4–0 start in a season where nearly everyone doubted them. An offense averaging 78 points per game. A 2-guard spot finding rhythm. Two freshmen emerging as potential stars. And next year? The No. 1 recruiting class in the nation.

It’s a good time to be a Spartan.

Michigan State Content (@msucontent) on X Tom Izzo CONTINUES to prove everyone wrong😤

Michigan State Stats

Starters

• Jaxon Kohler – 20 pts (team-high), 5 reb, 2 ast, 2/2 3PA, 1 blk
• Coen Carr – 6 pts, 6 reb (tied team-high), 2 ast, 1/2 3PA, 1 blk, 1 stl
• Carson Cooper – 2 pts, 6 reb (tied team-high), 2 ast, 1 blk
• Trey Fort – 13 pts, 2 reb, 1 ast, 3/8 3PA
• Jeremy Fears Jr. – 8 pts, 6 reb (tied team-high), 13 ast (team-high), 3 stl (team-high)

Bench

• Kur Teng – 15 pts, 1 reb, 2 ast, 3/7 3PA, 1 stl
• Cam Ward – 8 pts, 4 reb
• Jordan Scott – 1 pt, 3 reb, 1 ast, 1 blk
• Jesse McCulloch – 8 pts, 2 reb, 2/2 3PA
• Divine Ugochukwu – 2 pts, 1 reb
• Denham Wojcik – 2 ast
• Colin Walton – 1 reb

On the Horizon

Next up, the Spartans return home to face Detroit Mercy on Friday (my birthday!) at 6:30 PM at the Breslin Center. Detroit Mercy sits at 1–4 with their lone win coming against Cleary University. Their losses came against UIC, Notre Dame, Toledo, and Eastern Michigan.

On paper, this is a straightforward win for the Spartans. On the court, anything can happen.

Keep an eye out for the “How to Watch” article—and until then…

Go Green.