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4w ago

Michigan State Rolls Past UNC 74–58 to Claim Fort Myers Tip-Off Behind Jeremy Fears Jr.’s Breakout

Tom Izzo publicly cast the point guard’s emergence as proof of the program’s culture.

Head Coach Tom Izzo of the Michigan State Spartans handles a ball during warm ups during a practice session ahead of the Sweet 16 in the South Regional of the NCAA men's basketball tournament at State Farm Arena on March 27, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
Michigan State's coach Tom Izzo, right, talks with Jeremy Fears Jr. during the first half against Colgate on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, at the Breslin Center in East Lansing.
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Nov 25, 2025; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Michigan State Spartans head coach Tom Izzo looks on against the East Carolina Pirates in the first half at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images.

Overview

  • Fears Jr. posted 19 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds as the Spartans controlled the Thanksgiving title game in Fort Myers.
  • Michigan State improved to 7-0 and was reported at No. 11 nationally following the win.
  • Tom Izzo said Fears is starting to become the leader the team needs, a message shared by FOX College Hoops on X.
  • Fears later called Izzo "the best coach in the country," as reported by ESPN Plus.
  • The Spartans held North Carolina to 17% shooting from three and next host Iowa on Dec. 2 to open Big Ten play at the Breslin Center.