Jase Richardson’s career-high 20 points propelled No. 8 Michigan State to a solid 81-74 victory over Rutgers on Saturday at the iconic Madison Square Garden, marking the Spartans’ 12th consecutive win. This performance not only highlights Richardson’s growing prowess on the court but also reinforces Michigan State’s position as a formidable contender in college basketball.
Coen Carr contributed significantly with 14 points, shooting a perfect 5-of-5 from the field, while also grabbing eight rebounds. The Spartans, now sporting a record of 17-2 and 8-0 in the Big Ten, are enjoying their longest winning streak since the 2018-19 season, a year that saw them reach the Final Four under the guidance of Hall of Fame coach Tom Izzo.
For Rutgers, Jordan Derkack shone brightly off the bench, scoring a season-high 26 points in front of a home crowd of 17,480, located about 38 miles from his university. Ace Bailey added 18 points, although he struggled with his shooting, hitting only 4 of 17 attempts.
Meanwhile, Rutgers’ highly regarded freshman Dylan Harper, hampered by a sprained ankle, made his first appearance off the bench this season, scoring six points in just 13 minutes of play. Harper, who has been averaging 19.3 points per game, was limited in the second half due to his injury sustained during a prior game against Penn State.
Takeaways
For Michigan State, the depth of their bench proved invaluable, with Richardson, son of former Spartan star Jason Richardson, and Carr leading a second unit that outscored Rutgers’ bench 50-34. This depth is a key asset as they continue their quest for a championship.
On the other hand, Rutgers faced another setback, struggling to find their rhythm amidst injuries. With two promising freshmen, Bailey and Harper, both considered top NBA prospects, the Scarlet Knights began the season with high expectations, having been ranked in the AP Top 25.
Key moments
A highlight of the game came when Carr electrified the crowd with a pair of thunderous dunks, the most impactful of which extended Michigan State’s lead to 58-46 with 8:38 remaining in the contest.
Key stats
Up next
Michigan State is set to host Minnesota on Tuesday, following a previous victory against them, 90-72, during their Big Ten opener on December 4. Rutgers will travel to Northwestern on Wednesday, seeking to turn their season around.
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