Michigan State Hosts Iowa in Big Ten Opener at Breslin Center
Michigan State’s men’s basketball team is set to kick off its Big Ten Conference play against Iowa on Tuesday, December 2, at the Breslin Center. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be streamed live on Peacock.
Recent Performance of Michigan State
The Spartans are entering this matchup with significant momentum, having secured two victories at the Fort Myers Tip-Off. They notably defeated East Carolina 89-56 on November 25 and triumphed over then-No. 18 North Carolina 74-58 on Thanksgiving Day. These wins mark Michigan State’s third ranked victories of the season, placing them alongside Arizona as the only teams in the nation with three ranked wins.
The Spartans achieved an undefeated November for the first time since the 2015-16 season. Michigan State will look to maintain this success in its conference opener.
Broadcast Details
Fans can catch the game live on Peacock, with Paul Burmeister and Nick Bahe providing commentary. For radio listeners, the Spartan Media Network will offer live coverage, featuring Will Tieman as the play-by-play announcer, Matt Steigenga as the color analyst, and Zach Surdenik as the studio host. The game will also be available on SiriusXM channel 85 and through the SiriusXM app.
Team Statistics and Player Highlights
As the season progresses, Michigan State showcases a strong lineup with four players averaging double-digit points. Senior forward Jaxon Kohler leads the team with 14.6 points per game and ranks fifth in rebounds nationally, averaging 9.7 boards per game. Kohler has recorded three double-doubles, including a standout performance of 18 rebounds against San Jose State.
- Jeremy Fears Jr.: Averaging 12.0 points and an impressive 9.9 assists per game, leading Division I.
- Coen Carr: Contributing with 10.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.
- Carson Cooper: Posting a career-high 10.6 points and 6.0 rebounds per game.
- Freshmen Cam Ward and Jordan Scott: Adding depth with 9.0 and 2.6 points, respectively.
Historical Context and Rivalry with Iowa
Michigan State holds a historical edge over Iowa, leading the all-time series 78-60. The teams meet for the 139th time, with Michigan State winning last year’s game 91-84 in Iowa City, which secured the outright Big Ten title for the Spartans.
In Big Ten conference openers under Head Coach Tom Izzo, Michigan State holds an 18-12 record. However, the team has faced challenges at home recently, losing the last two openers played at the Breslin Center.
About Iowa
Iowa arrives at the Breslin Center with a perfect 7-0 record, coming off victories over Ole Miss and Grand Canyon. First-year head coach Ben McCollum has revitalized the team, bringing in six players from his previous tenure at Drake. Junior guard Bennett Stirtz is a standout player, leading the Hawkeyes with 18.6 points and 5.4 assists per game.
As both teams prepare for their Big Ten opener, fans can expect an exciting matchup as Michigan State aims to continue its impressive start to the season against a formidable Iowa squad.
