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It’s an exhibition game, but some early concern is absolutely justified.
No. 6 Michigan State lost its second exhibition game in a week, falling 86-79 at Marquette on Sunday afternoon. This was a few days after a 78-70 home defeat to No. 4 UConn. Here are a few takeaways on the Spartans’ exhibition, the last look at the team before the results begin to count on Monday, Nov. 2 against Quinnipiac:
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A New Starting Lineup?
Oct 20, 2026; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jasiah Jervis (25) handles the ball while guarded by UConn Huskies guard Junior County (0) during the first half at Breslin Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
One thing stood out before the game even began. Tom Izzo opted for a starting lineup of Jeremy Fears Jr., Jasiah Jervis, Jordan Scott, Coen Carr, and Jesse McCulloch. That took out Anton Bonke and Cam Ward from the lineup MSU began with against UConn this past Tuesday and inserted Jervis and McCulloch.
This was McCulloch’s second start in Michigan State’s three preseason games, but the first one, against Incarnate Word, was largely because Ward was out that day with an ankle injury. McCulloch also started at the four against UIW next to Bonke; he was starting at center on Sunday.
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Jervis was one of the only players who completely showed up on Sunday. He hit a couple of well-timed threes during the first half and looks like somebody Izzo is going to have a hard time removing from the starting lineup when it’s time to prepare for the opener. He wrapped up with 19 points and four made three-point shots.
Scott also had a nice day while starting at the three. He’s largely played and started at shooting guard, but that small forward spot feels like his more natural spot. Scott finished with 18 points on 6-for-13 shooting from the field.
Offense Has Ways to Go
Not many teams are exactly going to be clicking on the offensive end during October, but if there has been anything holding…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/3-instant-takeaways-msus-discouraging-193230372.html
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Publish date : 2026-10-25 19:32:00
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