Photo: Dale Young ~ Imagn Images
EAST LANSING ~ Michigan State clawed back from a halftime deficit to secure a 76–66 win over Northwestern at the Breslin Center, improving to 14–2 overall and 4–1 in Big Ten play. The Wildcats controlled the first half with sharp execution and a 35–28 lead, but the Spartans responded with grit and energy after the break, flipping the momentum with defensive stops and dominance in the paint.
Senior center Carson Cooper set the tone for MSU’s comeback, posting 18 points and shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the field while grabbing nine rebounds. Senior forward Jaxon Koehler added 15 points and eight boards, giving the Spartans a strong interior presence that Northwestern couldn’t match. Their combined effort on the glass created second-chance opportunities that proved pivotal down the stretch.
PODCAST:
Jan. 9, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick, Lloyd Jackson, and Jamie Edmonds chat with Steve Courtney and MSU Head Basketball Coach Tom Izzo. They discuss MSU hoops, including Tom’s 750th win and player performance.
(CONTINUED) Sophomore guard Jeremy Fears Jr. orchestrated the offense with poise, finishing with 15 points and five assists, while sophomore guard Kur Teng chipped in six points and six rebounds. Junior forward Coen Carr contributed eight points and brought defensive intensity that helped MSU clamp down late. The Spartans’ balanced attack and hustle plays underscored a team-first mentality that carried them through a tense second half.
Northwestern’s offense got little help outside of one standout. Senior forward Nick Martinelli delivered a powerhouse performance, pouring in 28 points. But Michigan State’s dominance on the glass, bolstered by its national standing as a rebounding powerhouse, tied for eighth in the country at 39.8 rebounds per game, proved the difference. The Spartans’ physical edge on the boards translated into key second-chance opportunities and ultimately sealed the game.
Next up, Michigan State prepares to host Indiana on Tuesday, Jan. 13, where it will look to carry this momentum forward.
