Hot-shooting Michigan State tops Minnesota in Big Ten opener

Field Level Media|published: Wed 4th December, 22:52 2024

Dec 4, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Michigan State Spartans forward Jaxon Kohler (0) celebrates during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Coen Carr scored 12 points to help lead Michigan State to a 90-72 win over Minnesota in the Big Ten opener for both teams on Wednesday in Minneapolis.

Carr led a balanced scoring attack for the Spartans (7-2, 1-0 Big Ten), who had four players score in double figures and two others contribute nine points.

Jaxon Kohler had 11 points and 11 rebounds, Xavier Booker also put up 11 points, and Jeremy Fears Jr. scored 10 points for Michigan State. Szymon Zapala and Jaden Akins each added nine points.

The Spartans shot the ball well, hitting 52.7 percent from the field overall (29 of 55), 50 percent from 3-point range (11 of 22) and 80.8 percent from the free-throw line (21 of 26).

Michigan State also held a 39-27 rebounding advantage.

Dawson Garcia scored 18 points and pulled down 11 rebounds, Mike Mitchell Jr. scored 17 points and Lu'Cye Patterson added 12 points in defeat for Minnesota (6-4, 0-1).

Mitchell returned to the lineup after missing six games with an ankle injury.

The Golden Gophers shot 44.1 percent from the field overall (26 of 59) and 32.1 percent (9 of 28) from 3-point range. They made 11 of 17 foul shots (64.7 percent).

After leading 42-30 at halftime, the Spartans extended the margin to 51-35 with 15:38 remaining on a dunk by Booker.

Minnesota managed to pull within 58-47 with 10:14 to go on a 3-pointer by Mitchell, but consecutive 3-pointers by Booker and Frankie Fidler gave Michigan State a 64-49 edge with 8:59 left.

With 7:43 remaining, Tre Holloman hit a 3-pointer to give Michigan State a 70-52 advantage.

Michigan State eventually built its lead up to as many as 20 points and was never threatened in the final minutes.

The Spartans scored at least 90 points in a game for the third time this season.

Minnesota held a three-point lead early in the first half, but then Michigan State went on a 20-2 run over a span of 5 1/3 minutes to take a 29-14 lead with 7:17 left until halftime following a 3-pointer by Holloman.

--Field Level Media

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