Photo: Nick King ~ USA TODAY NETWORK
EAST LANSING, November 4, 2024 ~ In the first game of the regular season, Michigan State basketball got off to a lightning fast start, ultimately leading the Spartans to a 81-57 win over Monmouth at the Breslin Center on Monday evening.
The green and white wasted no time in getting on the scoreboard with a highlight play. Right off the opening tip, senior guard Jaden Akins caught an alley oop for a dunk, firing up the Izzone student section.
The energy would keep up on both sides of the ball for a majority of the first half. MSU’s defense caused 10 Monmouth turnovers in the first 20 minutes while only allowing a 25% shooting percentage from the New Jersey foe. Sophomore forward Coen Carr was getting out in transition, throwing down monster dunks including a windmill from close to the free throw line.
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(CONTINUED) Redshirt freshman point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. was finding his teammates on the run and in the half court, tallying eight assists after a similar performance in the exhibition against Ferris State.
While it took the offense a bit of time to get back into a rhythm, Akins was finding his own as the beginning of the second half progressed. He finished with over 20 points for just the fourth time in his career.
“Jaden looked like every bit the senior he should be,” head coach Tom Izzo told WJR Correspondent Nick Lundberg after the game. “He did a much better job running on the break this time around.”
Two newcomers also put their stamp on the game. Senior transfer center Szymon Zapala made his mark down low with nine points, eight rebounds, and three blocks while freshman guard Jase Richardson brought a different level of energy off the bench. In his first career game, the son of former MSU basketball star Jason Richardson scored 10 points on an effective 4-5 shooting. His shooting performance reflected the team’s success, as the group collectively shot close to 48% from the field for the entire 40 minutes.
Michigan State will play host to Niagara Thursday before heading down south next week for a primetime matchup against top ranked Kansas.
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