Michigan State Dominates Western Michigan 80-62 in Eventful Victory
Michigan State’s basketball team secured an 80-62 victory over Western Michigan, but the game was far from easy. Despite the final score, this nonconference matchup was a bit messy, with sloppy moments and some early struggles that forced the Spartans to fight hard for the win. The game had a peculiar start, with an afternoon tipoff that added to the disjointed nature of the contest. Nonetheless, Michigan State, ranked No. 15, showed its depth and resilience in the second half, pulling away from Western Michigan to finish their nonconference schedule with an 11-2 record.
The Broncos, coached by former Michigan State assistant Dwayne Stephens, were ready for the challenge. Early in the game, Western Michigan put up a fight, even managing to take an early 11-5 lead thanks to some sharp shooting from Brandon Muntu and JaVaughn Hannah. The Spartans, however, quickly found their rhythm, rattling off 13 straight points to take control. A key moment came when freshman Xavier Booker made a defensive play, swatting a shot and saving a loose ball, leading to a fast-break dunk by Jase Richardson. That sequence sparked the Spartans, who went on to dominate the rest of the half, taking a 37-24 lead into the break.
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The second half wasn’t much smoother for Michigan State, as Western Michigan mounted a strong challenge. The Broncos opened the period with a quick 10-0 run, cutting Michigan State's lead to just three points. Despite the pressure, the Spartans weathered the storm, with Jaden Akins leading the way. Akins, who finished with 18 points, was crucial in maintaining the Spartans' lead when things got tight. He scored 11 points in the first half, providing the steady offense the team needed during a time when others weren’t firing on all cylinders.
Coen Carr and Carson Cooper also had strong performances. Cooper posted a career-high 13 points and added six rebounds, while Carr’s hustle and scoring helped push the lead back to double digits. Despite committing 17 turnovers, which gave Western Michigan 14 points, Michigan State’s depth was enough to secure the win. Notably, Jase Richardson’s efficiency stood out. He went a perfect 4-for-4 from the field, contributing nine points in just 24 minutes, showcasing his smooth offensive game.
The game also featured a tense moment in the first half when both teams were whistled for technical fouls after a scuffle between Michigan State’s Jeremy Fears Jr. and Western Michigan’s Chansey Willis Jr. That altercation, coupled with a few turnovers, seemed to fuel the intensity of the matchup. But Michigan State’s defensive prowess eventually wore down the Broncos, limiting them to poor shooting from beyond the arc and outscoring them in the paint 36-28.
Looking ahead, Michigan State will need to clean up its mistakes, especially the turnovers, before heading into Big Ten play. Coach Tom Izzo wasn’t entirely satisfied with the team’s performance, admitting that the Spartans didn't play with their usual sharpness. Still, Michigan State’s 80-62 win shows their depth and potential to dominate when they get their offense clicking. With the Big Ten on the horizon, this game may serve as a wake-up call for the Spartans, who are now fully focused on the challenges ahead.
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