East Lansing, MI — Michigan State opened the Champions Classic with a statement win over Duke, thanks to a standout performance by junior point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. The Spartans, playing in front of a supportive hometown crowd, surged ahead early and never looked back, finishing with a 79-73 victory.
Fears sets the tone
Fears, a leading candidate for National Player of the Year, posted a stat line that will fuel his awards campaign: 18 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds. After a rough outing against Duke last season – 0-for-10 shooting and six points – Fears showed how far he has developed, guiding the offense with poise and distributing the ball to teammates.
He began the game modestly, scoring only three points in the first half, but used that stretch to find his rhythm and set up teammates. By halftime, he had already handed out eight assists, helping the Spartans build an 11-2 run that put them in control.
Supporting cast steps up
Senior wing Coen Carr battled foul trouble and was limited to nine points, but sophomore Cam Ward contributed 14 points off the bench, providing a scoring spark. Freshman Jasiah Jervis added 10 points, showcasing his natural shot‑creating ability, while sophomore forward Jordan Scott contributed nine rebounds, six blocks and two steals, anchoring the defense.
Michigan State’s interior size also proved a factor. Transfer Anton Bonke and freshman Ethan Taylor both stand at 7‑foot‑2, giving the Spartans one of the nation’s biggest frontcourts. If sophomore forward Jesse McCulloch were an inch taller, the team would join the exclusive group of programs with three 7‑footers on the opening‑night roster.
Defensive dominance
The Spartans’ physical approach disrupted Duke’s offense, limiting the Blue Devils to just 33 percent shooting overall and a paltry 24 percent from three‑point range. Forward Jordan Scott noted, “Once we figured out how physical we could be, we knew we had to throw the first punch. You can’t sit around and wait for them to hit you first.”
Coach Tom Izzo, smiling on the sidelines, praised the team’s effort and highlighted the significance of the win. “We controlled nearly all 40 minutes,” he said, emphasizing the Spartans’ tenacity and execution.
Implications for the season
While Michigan State has long been a regular NCAA Tournament participant, the victory over a highly‑rated Duke squad suggests the Spartans could be a serious national title contender this year. The win not only boosts confidence but also showcases a roster that blends veteran leadership with emerging talent.
With Fears orchestrating the offense and a deep, physical frontcourt, the Spartans appear poised to challenge for a Final Four berth – their first since 2019. The Champions Classic victory may well be the first sign of a deeper run in the season ahead.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
