East Lansing – In an electrifying showdown reminiscent of March Madness, Michigan State faced off against No. 14 Arkansas on Saturday night, emerging victorious with a hard-fought 69-66 win at Breslin Center. The game was a testament to the high stakes often seen in postseason play, drawing considerable enthusiasm from the packed arena.
Freshman forward Cam Ward led the Spartans with an impressive double-double, scoring 18 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while Coen Carr added 15 points. Their contributions were critical as Michigan State overcame a halftime deficit to secure the win, just two games into the new season.
“This was a big-time game for the beginning of November,” noted Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, highlighting the significance of the matchup.
Despite struggling from beyond the arc, hitting only one of 14 three-point attempts, the Spartans dominated the rebounding battle, recording 19 offensive rebounds en route to a 45-33 overall advantage on the boards. Michigan State showcased their strengths in the paint, scoring 46 points inside compared to Arkansas’ 28, while the Razorbacks only managed a 7-for-28 performance from three-point range.
The first half concluded with the Razorbacks narrowly ahead, 39-36, but the Spartans outscored them 33-27 in the second half. D.J. Wagner, Darius Acuff Jr., and Meleek Thomas spearheaded Arkansas’s efforts, with Acuff and Thomas each contributing 16 points.
Ward’s early entry into the game, prompted by a quick foul trouble for center Carson Cooper, proved to be a turning point. He made an immediate impact, helping to spark a 12-2 run that gave Michigan State a brief advantage. “I just knew I had to have a big game today,” Ward reflected. His tenacity on the glass was pivotal, as he demonstrated a knack for securing offensive rebounds and capitalizing on defensive lapses by the Razorbacks.
Carr also played a vital role in the first half, showcasing offensive prowess before foul issues sidelined him for a stretch. When he re-entered the game in the second half, the Spartans were already ahead and poised to maintain their lead.
Michigan State employed a gritty, physical style of play, drawing numerous fouls and converting 18 of 26 free-throw attempts. Even with missed opportunities, including Jeremy Fears Jr. failing to make the most of his shot attempts, his 9 assists were crucial in running the offense and setting up teammates.
As the game reached its climactic moment, Arkansas rallied to tie the score at 66 in the final minutes. However, the Spartans held their composure. Key defensive plays, including a blocked shot by Cooper and a crucial defensive rebound by Kohler in the dying moments, secured the win.
In the decisive moments, Ward’s defense was instrumental as he contested a final long-range attempt from Arkansas. The block sealed the victory for Michigan State, giving them momentum heading into a more manageable stretch of their schedule.
Next up, the Spartans will host San Jose State on Thursday, November 9th, before facing a tough challenge against No. 9 Kentucky in the Champions Classic. With their budding talent and determination on display, Michigan State is poised for an exciting season ahead.