Michigan State dunks over Purdue in 76-74 win

We were only a few minutes into this one before it looked like it was going to be a long night as Purdue started the game off on a 9-2 run. They were outhustling Michigan State and were getting easy buckets for Oscar Cluff down low. They took a 13-6 lead heading into the first TV timeout.

Jeremy Fears Jr was the spark MSU needed as he responded with an and-one three from the top of the key. That new found energy was infectious for Coen Carr and Cam Ward who had strong makes at the rim. Michigan State was able to retake the lead with a 10-0 run as they played much better than the first four minutes. Kur Teng hit a couple of jumpers, including one after a fantastic drive and kick from Fears to find Teng in the corner for an open three. MSU held a 24-23 lead with eight minutes left in the first half.

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Carr missed a three from both corners as he continues to struggle with his jump shot this season, so it was nice to see him take it upon himself to get into the lane as he threw down a two-handed hammer over the 7’4” big man Daniel Jacobsen. Hey, Coen – more dunks, less threes!

Big men Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler also made it into the first half highlight reel. Cooper had a mean spin move in the post that turned into a right handed tomahawk jam that would’ve made LeBron proud. Coop’s dunk tied the game at 31, and Kohler followed that up with a catch-and-shoot three to tie Purdue at 34. It was a great back and forth battle throughout the first half that found the Boilermakers up 39-36.

Carson Cooper kicked things off for the Spartans with two quick makes in the post as he continued with his improved offensive output after his 20-point career-high game. After a Fears jumper and a three from Jordan Scott, MSU took a 45-44 lead four minutes into the second half.

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Michigan State would slowly begin to build on their lead.

MSU had a beautiful possession that would put the ball movement of the Tim Duncan led Spurs to shame where it ended with a wide open…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/michigan-state-dunks-over-purdue-032646086.html

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Publish date : 2026-02-27 03:26:00

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