Michigan State’s impressive 17-0 run propelled them to a decisive 86-72 victory over Bowling Green on Saturday night, showcasing their resilience and teamwork. Jaden Akins was a standout performer, contributing 13 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, leading a balanced offense with seven Spartans scoring in double figures.
Frankie Fidler, despite struggling with his shooting at 1-of-6 from the field, excelled at the free-throw line, hitting all 10 attempts. He and Carson Cooper each added 12 points, while Tre Holloman and Coen Carr chipped in with 11 points each. Jeremy Fears Jr. and Jaxon Kohler rounded out the scoring with 10 points apiece, demonstrating the depth of the Spartans’ roster.
With this win, Michigan State improved their record to 3-1, bouncing back from a tough 77-69 loss to the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks earlier in the week at the State Farm Champions Classic held in Atlanta.
Bowling Green initially seized momentum with a 14-2 run, taking an eight-point lead with just over 11 minutes remaining. Marcus Johnson’s jumper and layup, along with Javontae Campbell’s contributions, briefly put the Falcons ahead 72-68. However, Cooper quickly countered with a dunk, igniting the Spartans’ decisive run.
Akins responded to the challenge with a pivotal 3-pointer, followed by two free throws, while Fears added a layup. Fidler’s perfect free-throw shooting in the final minute sealed the game, emphasizing Michigan State’s ability to execute under pressure.
Bowling Green, now 1-3, struggled against NCAA-affiliated teams this season, despite a recent dominant win over NAIA-member Taylor. Johnson led the Falcons with 23 points but had difficulty from beyond the arc, making just 1-of-11 on 3-point attempts. Campbell and Youssef Khayat added 14 and 13 points, respectively.
In the final seven minutes, Bowling Green faced challenges, going 0-for-9 from the field, missing a free throw, and committing four turnovers. This inability to capitalize on opportunities ultimately led to their downfall against a determined Michigan State squad.
