EAST LANSING– No. 15 Michigan State returned to the win column on Tuesday, with a dominating 82-59 win over the UCLA Bruins.
The Spartans caught fire from three-point range, finally converting on the good looks they had, with a season-best 14 makes on 27 attempts.
“We’ll keep working on it, we weren’t as bad as those couple of games,” MSU head coach Tom Izzo said. “We might not be as good as hitting 14 threes and holding them to 30 or 32 percent, but as long as we keep progressing, this will give us something to study some film on.”
The Spartans came out swinging, led by their starting five, which compiled 64 points on the night.
Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. had a career-best night from behind the arc, as he knocked down four three-pointers en route to his 14th straight game in double figures with 16 points.
MSU forward Coen Carr was an efficient 7-of-11; he had his usual highlight dunks, but also mixed in a few mid-range and three-point makes.
“We think the guy that can really take two more steps is Coen because he’s not only athletic, but he’s smart, in phenomenal shape, and he can slash,” Izzo said.
Freshman Jordan Scott has solidified his role in the starting lineup as a complementary piece to the four veterans. Scott made a few big hustle plays on the offensive glass and converted on all three of his three-point attempts.
“Getting more adjusted with [starting], I think I’m getting a little more comfortable too…it’s just different than coming off the bench, but those hustle plays are big, especially at the Bres,” Scott said.
Carson Cooper contributed 12 points and seven rebounds and continued to show his development at the free-throw line, as he made 8-of-9 from the line.
Late in the second half, Cooper was fouled hard on a fast break by Bruins center Steven Jamerson II and confronted the Bruin after the play, resulting in a technical.
Even before the referees had a chance to review the play and determine if it was a flagrant, Cronin kicked Jamerson off the court himself before it was ruled a flagrant one.
“I guess he upgraded that to a flagrant two, that’s the first time I’ve seen a coach do it, but that sounds like Mick,” Izzo said.
It was also the homecoming for UCLA forward Xavier Booker, who spent two seasons with Michigan State. Booker started but saw a limited offensive role; he scored two points, converting on his only field goal attempt.
UCLA ends its tough two-game road trip to Michigan with a point differential of 168-115.
With Purdue, Wisconsin and Nebraska all suffering losses on Tuesday night, Michigan State is firmly in the race for a double bye in the Big Ten Tournament.
The Spartans are back in action on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 1 p.m. at the Breslin Center. Catch the radio broadcast locally on Impact 89FM and steam live on our website here:
