It looks like that second-half performance and subsequent Tom Izzo berating got through to this Michigan State basketball team as the Spartans throttled No. 12 Kentucky, 83-66.
Coming into the game, the Spartans were fairly heavy underdogs. That didn’t quite matter as Michigan State got out to a strong start, hung around, and then stepped on the gas until the final buzzer sounded. This was one of the most impressive wins in recent memory.
The closest the game got in the second half was 10 points as the Wildcats made a little surge, but the Champions Classic was all Michigan State. The haters are sick to their stomachs.
Here are my thoughts on Michigan State’s dominant win.
1. We all owe this team an apology
OK, so most Michigan State fans have been fairly high on this team, but the national media has been hesitant to give the Spartans any credit, and that’s even continued throughout the game.
But Michigan State dominated from start to finish, winning by 17 and the outcome was never truly in doubt from about the 10-minute mark in the first half on. This team responded to Izzo’s criticism after the San Jose State game and proved that they’re better than anyone expected.
If you told me that Michigan State would begin 4-0 with two top-15 wins after the Champions Classic, I would have told you that it wasn’t possible with this team. My doubts have vanished.
2. Kur Teng might just be a dude
Kur Teng has really shown up over the past two games, and it’s been a breath of fresh air after the first two games. There was a serious concern over the two-guard spot, but it looks like Teng and Trey Fort have risen to the occasion.
I had a feeling that Fort was going to be a potential go-to scorer, so it was nice to see him shoot with confidence against Kentucky, finishing with 18 points on 5-for-12 shooting.
But I really have to give it up to Teng. Fans gave up on him after two exhibition games and the first two outings this season, but he continued to work, and that confidence is shining through. He starred against the Wildcats, scoring 18 points off the bench, and he hit three huge 3-pointers. Michigan State may not longer have an issue at the two-guard spot.
3. The veteran leaders played like veteran leaders
After getting called out by Izzo after a horrendous second half against San Jose State, the veterans on the team really stepped it up against Kentucky.
Not shying away from another top-15 team, Michigan State’s veteran leaders showed just why experience matters. Carson Cooper had a forgettable game with just two points on 1-for-7 shooting, but Coen Carr did a little of everything, Jeremy Fears Jr. was just really good all night, and Jaxon Kohler was a monster, finishing with 20 points and five rebounds.
The veteran leaders on this team are showing that they have what it takes to contend this season. A lot of people were wrong about these guys.