Spartans Light Up the Garden in Statement Win Over Kentucky
NEW YORK — Ah, I love the smell of Blue-Blood basketball in November. And before we go any further, let’s clear up something I’ve heard tossed around in the media— this idea that MSU is some kind of “Baby Blue.” No chance. Michigan State belongs in that conversation, and if they play like they did last night… maybe, just maybe, they get that next national title and end the debate for good.
With that out of the way…
When the lights hit their brightest and the banners of college basketball royalty hang above you, Michigan State didn’t blink. They showed up with a purpose, swung first, and never let Kentucky get comfortable. And by the time this one was over, the Spartans looked every bit like a Blue Blood themselves.
In a commanding 83–66 dismantling of No. 12 Kentucky in the Champions Classic at Madison Square Garden, Tom Izzo’s group delivered a win that felt bigger than the box score. A perfect 4–0 start now comes with a signature victory — and maybe even a preview of what this team’s true ceiling looks like.
And the best part? They did it the Spartan way — unselfish, relentless, and ready for the moment.
📊 Stat Capsule: Michigan State 83, Kentucky 66
Team Record: 4–0
Top Performers:
- Jaxon Kohler: 20 points (career high), 5 rebounds
- Jeremy Fears Jr.: 13 assists (Champions Classic record), 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals
- Kur Teng: 15 points, 3 threes
- Trey Fort: 13 points
- Spartan Bench: 34 points
Team Highlights:
- 11-of-22 (50%) from three
- 42–28 rebounding advantage
- 25 assists on 32 made baskets
- Held Kentucky to 66 points
Next Up:
vs. Detroit Mercy — Friday at Breslin Center
Career Nights Power the Green & White
The box score looked like a celebration of player development and trust in the system.
Jaxon Kohler delivered the offensive punch, finishing with a career-high 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, adding a pair of threes and grabbing five boards. Confident, aggressive, and poised — this was the version of Kohler Spartan fans knew he could become.
Running the show was Jeremy Fears Jr., who turned the Garden into his own personal stage. The redshirt sophomore dished out a Champions Classic-record 13 assists, showing elite vision, pace control, and toughness. His final line — 8 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals — doesn’t even fully capture how thoroughly he commanded the game.
Off the bench, Kur Teng made his presence known with a breakout 15-point night, drilling three momentum-shifting threes that quieted every Kentucky surge. Senior guard Trey Fort joined the double-digit club as well with 13 points — his first of the season — rounding out a performance where the supporting cast wasn’t just good… they were essential.
Izzo-Ball: Defense, Grit, and Owning the Glass
The offense was fun, but this win was built on classic Tom Izzo DNA.
Michigan State controlled the boards 42–28, dominating Kentucky on second chances and ripping away any hope of the Wildcats finding rhythm. Every Spartan that touched the floor brought a level of toughness that made Kentucky uncomfortable from the jump.
Postgame, Izzo was glowing about the effort:
“What I’m proudest of… it’s very unselfish. 25 assists on 32 baskets.”
That’s a coach seeing his vision take shape.
That’s a team buying in completely.
The bench outscored Kentucky’s reserves 34–22, and the defense turned stops into runouts — a blueprint fans have seen for decades but still love to watch unfold.
Looking Ahead: Back to the Breslin
After conquering the Garden, the Spartans head home to host Detroit Mercy this Friday at the Breslin Center. It’s a perfect opportunity to sharpen the edges, build confidence, and tighten rotations before Big Ten play begins its yearly grind.
This wasn’t just a November win.
This was a message.
When Michigan State shoots like this, defends like this, and plays with this level of unselfishness, they can go toe-to-toe with anyone in the country.
With the early season victories against Kentucky and Arkansas, are the Spartans better than you expected? Drop a comment below, or join the conversation in Spartans Sound Off — where fans break down every game, every angle.
Info gathered from team reports, pressers & trusted media outlets — the way we always do it at Mitten Sports Talk.
