Spartans dominate Maryland with stifling defense and exceptional ball movement, igniting the Breslin Center with a resounding victory.
Returning home from the west coast trip, the Spartans wasted no time settling back into the Breslin Center.
From tip to final horn, Michigan State laid it on the Terrapins, cruising to a dominant 91–48 win. The 43-point victory never saw Maryland hold a lead.
Michigan State’s defense was the star of the show, stifling Maryland at every turn. It didn’t matter who was on the floor or what offense the Terps tried to run — it simply wasn’t there. Three huge blocks set the tone, getting louder and louder each time. Freshman Cam Ward delivered the most memorable of them all, swatting a shot out of the air with a thunderous smack that ignited the crowd.
Michigan State has made a name for itself by winning in two key categories — rebounding and assists — and those strengths were once again on full display.
The Spartans won the rebounding battle by 11 (35–24) and edged Maryland on the offensive glass 8–7. The usual suspects led the way, with Jaxon Kohler and Carson Cooper each pulling down eight rebounds. But this was a complete team effort: eleven Spartans recorded at least one rebound, and only three players who saw action failed to grab one — two of whom played just two minutes.
Ball movement was just as dominant. Michigan State finished with a 25–10 assist advantage, thriving once again on unselfish play and confidence across the lineup. The assist total also highlighted how disruptive the Spartans were defensively, never allowing Maryland to get comfortable offensively. Jeremy Fears led the way with a remarkable 17 assists. Jordan Scott and Divine Ugochukwu added two apiece, while four other Spartans chipped in one.
One area that has plagued Michigan State at times this season — turnovers — was nearly flawless. The Spartans turned the ball over just eight times, well below their season average of over 12 per game, serving as a reminder of how clean this team can play. Maryland committed 11 turnovers, several forced by MSU’s suffocating defense. The Spartans capitalized, scoring 17 points off those turnovers compared to just four for the Terps.
Michigan State absolutely crushed Maryland in transition. The Spartans finished with 31 fast-break points, while Maryland posted a goose egg. Skunked, as we say around these parts.
While defense led the way, Michigan State’s shooting was still highly efficient. The Spartans knocked down 9 of 19 three-point attempts compared to Maryland’s 6 of 26. Every MSU starter hit a three — including big man Carson Cooper, who looked just as surprised as everyone else when his attempt dropped. Michigan State also shot an impressive 61% from the field (34 of 56), while Maryland struggled at 33% (18 of 54).
Jeremy Fears capped off a special night, leading the team with 17 points to go along with his 17 assists. Carson Cooper and Coen Carr each added 14 points, with Jaxon Kohler chipping in 11. Every Spartan who played nine or more minutes scored, except Trey Fort, who finished 0 for 2.
With the win, Michigan State improves to 18–2 overall and 8–1 in conference play. The Spartans now turn their attention to a big week ahead. On Tuesday, they’ll travel to Rutgers to face the 9–11 Scarlet Knights — a game MSU should handle, but one they can’t afford to overlook.
The real anticipation, though, comes after that. Michigan State will return home to face in-state rival Michigan, currently ranked third in the nation. It’s a matchup the entire state has been waiting for.
The Spartans will look to use Rutgers as a tune-up while avoiding a trap game. Meanwhile, the Wolverines will have their hands full first, hosting undefeated and conference-leading Nebraska in Ann Arbor before heading to East Lansing.
There will be plenty of coverage leading up to that showdown. For now, Michigan State can enjoy a hard-earned, statement blowout over Maryland.