3 takeaways from Michigan State basketball's tight win over Penn State

Way too close.

Jan 15, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA;  Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) drives past Penn State Nittany Lions guard Ace Baldwin Jr. (1) during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images
Jan 15, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) drives past Penn State Nittany Lions guard Ace Baldwin Jr. (1) during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images | Dale Young-Imagn Images
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2. Frankie Fidler may have found his spark

In desperate need of a spark, Frankie Fidler came off the bench on Wednesday night and provided just that, piecing together his best game as a Spartan.

Fidler finished 8-for-13 from the floor and grabbed seven rebounds with two assists and four steals while scoring a season-high 18 points. Everything seemed to be working for the Omaha transfer and if he can be more like this version of himself moving forward, the Spartans will have a go-to scorer off the bench who can be relied upon in these late-game situations.

When the Spartans were giving up buckets on nearly every possession down the stretch to the Nittany Lions, it was Fidler who was responding with a put-back or a drive to the rim. He was unstoppable in the second half.

As soon as he finds that jumper, he might be one of the top scoring options on the team like everyone expected him to be before the season.