3 quick thoughts on Michigan State basketball's exhibition win over Ferris State
The final exhibition game is in the books and Michigan State basketball came away (thankfully) unscathed, beating Ferris State 85-67 on Tuesday night.
Giving up 67 points to Ferris State isn't exactly a feel-good situation, but this team has been really good over the years and we just have to expect that the Bulldogs are going to compete for titles once again at their level. Still, Michigan State has plenty of work to do.
The Spartans led by just 12 at the half and then pulled away late in the second half to the tune of 85-67 and head into Monday night's season opener with some positive vibes.
Here are my thoughts from the exhibition finale.
1. Jeremy Fears, Tre Holloman may be the best passing duo in the Big Ten
When you look at the box score, one things really stands out from Tuesday night's game: Jeremy Fears and Tre Holloman are two of the best passers in the Big Ten. They combined for 17 assists and they really didn't play their best games.
Holloman was just 2-for-5 from the floor and so was fears, combining for just 14 points, but if they can dish out 15-20 assists per game between them, Michigan State is going to be in a good spot.
This duo might be the best passing backcourt in the Big Ten.
2. Jaxon Kohler appears to have taken that next step
I have been very hopeful of this for the past two offseasons and I think it's actually coming to fruition, at least with everything I've seen from Jaxon Kohler in the Spain trip and in two exhibition games.
On Tuesday, Kohler was solid again, scoring nine points with 11 rebounds and he looks quicker on the defensive end of the floor. If I didn't know better, I'd say he's probably the best center option the Spartans have right now -- and it's not particularly close.
Rebounding was a concern for him a year ago but he's slimmed down and he looks more athletic and able to contest every board. He was just 3-for-7 from the floor, but he was 3-for-5 from inside the arc. I think he's the guy to play the five moving forward with Xavier Booker at the four.
3. We need more from Jaden Akins
For what feels like the third or fourth time during this preseason run of games in exhibition play and in Spain, Jaden Akins was a shell of himself. He seemed to disappear into thin air.
Akins wa ssolid on the glass with five rebounds, but he was non-existent on the offensive end, shooting just 1-for-5 from the floor and finishing with three points. I have two problems with that line: he needs to score more than three every single night and also he can't be taking just five shots.
It's just an exhibition game so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, but he has looked really shaky so far this offseason and preseason. The team needs more from its leader.