Jaden Akins powered Michigan State to an impressive 81-57 victory over Monmouth in their season opener on Monday night, showcasing his skills with 23 points. The Spartans gained momentum in the second half, pulling away decisively from their opponents.
In addition to his scoring, Akins contributed significantly with nine rebounds and five assists, illustrating his all-around game.
On a night filled with teamwork, 10 Spartans saw at least 10 minutes of action, with Jase Richardson adding 10 points as the only other player in double digits.
Michigan State started strong, scoring the first nine points of the game. They maintained a comfortable lead, reaching a 15-point advantage three times in the first half. Monmouth struggled early, with their first five points coming from free throws, while Abdi Bashir Jr. finally broke through with a 3-pointer that made it 19-8 with around 11 minutes left in the half.
The Spartans entered halftime leading 38-27.
Monmouth came out strong in the second half, scoring the first five points to narrow the gap to six. However, Michigan State responded with a burst of energy, extending their lead to 17 points with back-to-back dunks from Coen Carr and Akins around the 10-minute mark.
Kur Teng capped off the scoring for the Spartans with a jumper and a 3-pointer, solidifying their largest lead at 81-57 with just a minute left on the clock.
For Monmouth, Bashir led the effort with 20 points, while Madison Durr and Justin Ray each contributed 12 points. Cornelius Robinson Jr. was a force on the boards, grabbing 10 rebounds.
Last season, Michigan State finished sixth in the Big Ten but made their 26th consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament, marking the longest active streak in the nation. Despite losing four regular starters, the team boasts seven returning letterwinners, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
