Spartans Dodge the Trap, Set the Stage: Fears Jr. Takes Over in OT Win at Rutgers
Almost a Trap — Until It Wasn’t
Several readers told me this wasn’t a trap game.
For about 38 minutes, it sure looked like one.
Rutgers did exactly what underdogs try to do in the Big Ten — slow the tempo, shorten possessions, turn the game into a grind, and dare Michigan State to stay patient. The Spartans didn’t play their best basketball, struggled to find rhythm, and looked uncomfortable for long stretches.
But this season’s Michigan State team has something that changes outcomes on nights like this.
They have Jeremy Fears Jr.
And when the game was slipping away, he flat-out refused to let it happen.
Michigan State escaped Piscataway with an 88–79 overtime win, improving to 19–2 overall and 9–1 in the Big Ten, and — just as important — keeping the upcoming Michigan matchup exactly what it was supposed to be: a battle for the ages.
A loss here would’ve drained some of the juice from January 30 at the Breslin Center. Instead, the Spartans arrive battle-tested, confident, and very much alive in the conference race.
How the Game Played Out
Rutgers controlled the flow early, leading 37–28 at halftime and dictating pace with physical defense and long possessions. Michigan State trailed by as many as 12 in the second half and looked on the brink with under five minutes remaining.
Then came the moment.
Down three in the final seconds of regulation, Divine Ugochukwu drilled a clutch three to force overtime — a shot that quieted the RAC (Jersey Mike’s Arena) and triggered Bill Raftery’s response on the national broadcast (FS1):
“Onions!”
Once overtime started, there was no debate about who owned the game.
Jeremy Fears Jr. did.
Jeremy Fears Jr. — Complete Takeover
This was a career night, full stop.
Fears finished with 29 points and 9 assists, and here’s the part that matters most:
27 of his 29 points came in the second half and overtime.
In the extra session, Fears scored 10 of Michigan State’s 12 points, attacking the rim, drawing fouls, and living at the free-throw line. He went 16-for-17 at the stripe, the ultimate stabilizer in a hostile environment.
When MSU needed someone to control tempo, get a bucket, or calm things down — it was Fears, every time.
This wasn’t just scoring.
This was leadership.
And without it, Michigan State leaves Piscataway with a loss.
The Supporting Cast Did the Dirty Work
While Fears grabbed the headlines, this win doesn’t happen without help.
Carson Cooper was massive inside, posting 12 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring a rebounding edge that kept MSU afloat when shots weren’t falling.
Coen Carr added 13 points, attacking the rim and finishing through contact, while Jaxon Kohler chipped in 12 points, including key baskets late and free throws to open overtime.
And don’t overlook Divine Ugochukwu — 9 points, 3-for-3 from deep, and the biggest shot of the night.
“I just knew I had to let it fly,”
That quote from Ugochukwu at the post-game press conference said it all. “Coach has been telling us all year to be ready for the moment. Jeremy drove, the defense collapsed, and I was just ready to knock it down.”
This was a survival win built on toughness.
Stat Capsule 📊
Final Score: Michigan State 88, Rutgers 79 (OT)
Game Leaders
- Points: Jeremy Fears Jr. — 29
- Rebounds: Carson Cooper — 14
- Assists: Jeremy Fears Jr. — 9
Team Control
- Field Goal %: MSU 49% | Rutgers 40%
- Free Throws: MSU 24-26 (92%)
- Rebounds: MSU 45 | Rutgers 22
- Points in Paint: MSU 38 | Rutgers 22
The Separator
- MSU out-rebounded Rutgers by +23
- Rutgers scored just 10 points in overtime
- MSU kept its composure when Rutgers couldn’t
Big Ten Implications — Everything Still in Front of Them
Now zoom out.
With Michigan beating Nebraska (handing the Cornhuskers their first loss), the Big Ten race just got real interesting. Michigan State now has a clear path to tie for the conference lead, and Friday night against Michigan suddenly carries even more weight.
This Rutgers win wasn’t pretty — but those are often the wins that define a season.
Survive the grind.
Protect the moment.
Live to fight the rivalry.
Mission accomplished.
What’s Next — Breslin Center Awaits
Michigan State returns home for the game everyone has circled:
Michigan vs Michigan State
📍 Breslin Center
📅 January 30
⏰ Prime-time showdown
After surviving the trap, the Spartans now get their shot at something bigger.
🤔Food For Thought
Did this gritty overtime escape reveal Michigan State’s championship DNA, or does it expose cracks Michigan will try to exploit on Friday night? 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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