Spartans Wake Up Late, Pull Away from Northwestern Behind Cooper’s Career Night
This one didn’t come with much polish — and that’s probably fine.
The Michigan State Spartans eventually did what they were supposed to do Thursday night at the Breslin Center, rallying past the Northwestern Wildcats for a 76–66 win. But for long stretches, Northwestern made it uncomfortable — hanging around, leading at halftime, and reminding everyone that Big Ten games are rarely free passes, especially against teams with nothing to lose.
Michigan State didn’t dominate wire-to-wire.
They absorbed punches, leaned into their size, and pulled away late.
Northwestern Came Ready — and It Showed Early
From the opening tip, Northwestern looked like the sharper team. The Wildcats controlled tempo, pushed pace, and either led or stayed within striking distance for much of the first half. They even took a seven-point lead into the break, and if you’ve watched enough games at the Breslin, you know that’s not unfamiliar territory for Michigan State.
Northwestern has had success in this building before, and for a while it felt like another one might be brewing.
The Spartans were fine shooting the ball — nearly 50% from the field — but struggled to create separation. And despite Michigan State’s reputation for running teams off the floor, Northwestern actually won the fast-break battle 19–15, beating MSU at its own preferred style.
Rebounding Still Tells the Story
When the game finally turned, it turned the way Tom Izzo games usually do.
Michigan State dominated the glass 42–25, and that margin became the difference as the minutes ticked down. Controlling rebounds meant extra possessions, fewer second chances for Northwestern, and the ability to grind the game to a halt when needed.
It’s old-school.
It’s predictable.
And it still works.
Carson Cooper Owned the Night
Let’s not overthink it — this was Carson Cooper’s game.
Cooper delivered a career night, finishing with:
- 18 points
- 9 rebounds
- 6-for-6 shooting
- 6-for-8 from the free-throw line
- 33 minutes played
When Michigan State needed stability, Cooper gave it to them. He finished through contact, punished switches, and anchored the interior on both ends. On a night where nothing flashy was required, Cooper simply did his job — and did it better than anyone else on the floor.
Coen Carr’s Dunks Were the Moment
If Cooper provided the foundation, Coen Carr provided the electricity.
Carr’s dunks stole the show — momentum-shifting, crowd-igniting plays that helped flip the energy in the Breslin Center. Even when the Spartans were struggling to create clean offense, Carr’s athleticism injected life into the building and the bench.
They weren’t just highlights.
They were emotional resets. I mean, no matter what you’re doing, when he dunks, you pay attention. I’m wondering if he ever will break the backboard glass or collapse the stanchion. There is a lot of power behind those dunks.
Kohler and Fears Stay Steady
Jaxon Kohler and Jeremy Fears Jr. were the only other Spartans to reach double figures, scoring 15 points apiece.
Kohler continues to be one of the best stories of the season. He knocked down 3-of-6 from three, and now sits at an absurd 54.4% from deep on the year — a full 16 percentage points higher than last season, on significantly higher volume. That kind of efficiency fundamentally changes Michigan State’s spacing.
Fears didn’t dominate, but he stabilized things when the game threatened to drift. His control late helped Michigan State finally separate.
The Second-Half Flip
Michigan State was outscored in style early — but not late.
After trailing at halftime, the Spartans outscored Northwestern by 17 in the second half, finally wearing the Wildcats down with size, rebounding, and physicality. It wasn’t until the final couple of minutes that MSU could truly exhale, but once they got there, the outcome was no longer in doubt.
Context Matters
This wasn’t a statement win.
Northwestern entered 0–3 in Big Ten play and 8–6 overall, now sitting at 0–4 / 8–7. Michigan State beat a team it should beat — and there’s no shame in calling it exactly that.
Still, it’s worth noting a trend: the Spartans have made things harder than necessary against the bottom of the conference, much like they did earlier against Penn State. That won’t matter much now — but it could later.
Stat Capsule 🏀
Final Score: Michigan State 76, Northwestern 66
Halftime: Northwestern +7
Game Leaders
- Carson Cooper: 18 points, 9 rebounds, 6-for-6 FG
- Jaxon Kohler: 15 points, 3-for-6 from three
- Jeremy Fears Jr.: 15 points
Team Control
- Rebounds: Michigan State 42, Northwestern 25
- Field Goal %: Michigan State ~49%
- Three-Point %: Michigan State 5-for-18 (28%)
Momentum Notes
- Fast-break points: Northwestern 19, MSU 15
- Spartans outscored Northwestern by 17 in the second half
Bigger Picture
This was a forgettable game — and that’s not an insult.
Michigan State handled its business, leaned on its strengths, and moved on. At this point in the season, not every win needs to be memorable. Some just need to count.
Michigan State stays home next week for a much tougher test, hosting the Indiana Hoosiers at the Breslin Center. Indiana enters at 12–3 overall and 3–1 in Big Ten play, bringing a physical frontcourt and a pace that will challenge Michigan State’s rebounding and discipline. After grinding past Northwestern, this one will offer a clearer measuring stick for where the Spartans really stand.
Food for Thought 🤔
Are games like this a warning sign against the bottom of the Big Ten — or simply the cost of surviving a long conference grind? Drop a comment below or join the conversation in the 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.
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