EAST LANSING – Michigan State’s basketball team successfully navigated its first unofficial test of the season, securing a 75-66 victory over Bowling Green in their exhibition game. The Spartans are gearing up for a tougher challenge as they prepare to face No. 4 UConn in their second and final exhibition match on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.
Coach Tom Izzo expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming game against UConn, recognizing it as an opportunity to experience a charged atmosphere. “That will be a hornet’s nest, and everything that will happen there will be good for us,” Izzo noted after the victory against Bowling Green.
The Spartans ended the previous season with an impressive 30 wins, notably claiming the Big Ten title by a three-game margin and reaching the Elite Eight. However, they face the task of rebuilding after losing seven scholarship players, including their top three scorers.
The exhibition against Bowling Green allowed Michigan State to test its revamped roster. The starting lineup and rotations were largely aligned with expectations, which is crucial as the team transitions to new players. Forward Jaxon Kohler highlighted the value of the experience, stating, “It was really good for them to know what that atmosphere is like.” This will be especially important when they face a strong UConn team that has a rich history of success, including back-to-back national titles.
The game against Bowling Green proved competitive, with the opposition leading early on and challenging Michigan State. UConn will present a different level of difficulty, particularly as they return three of their top four scorers, including standout guard Solo Ball. The Spartans defeated the Falcons, but coach Izzo has emphasized the need to tighten their defense and improve their rebounding, areas where they struggled in the previous game.
As the Spartans prepare for their matchup with UConn, they look to gain valuable insights that will carry them into the regular season opener against Colgate on November 3. The exhibition is not just a test for the new players but a chance for the entire team to gauge their progression and address areas for improvement ahead of the competitive season.
With a focus on building team chemistry and sharpening their skills, the Michigan State Spartans are ready to embrace the challenges that lie ahead on their basketball journey.