The 2025-26 Michigan State Spartans are not here to play nice. On Friday night inside a fired-up Breslin Center, Tom Izzo’s squad put on an absolute clinic, dismantling Detroit Mercy 84-56 to remain one of the few undefeated teams left in college basketball.
From the opening tip, this one felt over early. MSU raced to a 20-4 lead in the first eight minutes and never looked back, leading by as many as 34 in the second half. The final margin of 28 points was actually the closest Detroit Mercy got after the 15-minute mark.
Star of the Night: Jeremy Fears Jr.
The sophomore point guard is making a loud case for All-Big Ten honors already. Fears was surgical:
✅ 18 points
✅ 7-9 FG (77.8%)
✅ 6 assists
✅ 4 steals
✅ ZERO turnovers
He toyed with the Titans’ defense, hitting floaters, step-back threes, and threading pocket passes like a veteran. After the game, Fears simply said, “We’re just getting started.”
Poster Season is Officially Open
Coen Carr brought the house down, again. The human highlight reel threw down FOUR monster dunks, including a windmill in transition that had the Izzone in a full-on frenzy. Carr finished with 13 points and made it clear: if you leave him a runway, you’re ending up on a poster.
Jaxon Kohler: The Silent Assassin
The big man continues to be the most improved player on the roster. Kohler posted another double-double (13 points, 10 rebounds) while anchoring the paint on both ends. His footwork in the post and improved conditioning have turned him into a walking mismatch.
By the Numbers
• Bench points: 42-18
• Points off turnovers: 28-6
• Fast-break points: 22-4
• Largest lead: 34
• Average margin of victory through 5 games: 28.4 PPG
What’s Next?
The Spartans now head to paradise for the Maui Invitational, where they’ll open against Colorado on Monday. With games against top-tier competition looming (potential matchups with UConn, Auburn, or North Carolina), this 5-0 start is about to get stress-tested in the best way possible.
Tom Izzo’s Message
“Love the energy, love the togetherness. But we haven’t played anybody yet. Maui is where we find out who we really are.”
One thing’s for sure: right now, Michigan State looks like a team nobody wants to see in March.
GO GREEN. GO WHITE. KEEP ROLLING. 💚🤍
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