Michigan State Tops Minnesota 90-72 in Big Ten Basketball Opener

The Spartans' dominance in rebounding, defense, and three-point shooting overwhelmed the Gophers in their first conference matchup of the season.

Michigan State capitalized on a 17-0 first-half run, fueled by Coen Carr's block, alley-oop dunk, and three-point play, to take control of the game.
The Spartans shot an efficient 53% from the field and 50% from three-point range, a significant improvement for a team previously struggling with perimeter shooting.
Jaxon Kohler recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Carr, Xavier Booker, and Jeremy Fears Jr. contributed double-digit scoring off the bench.
Minnesota's leading scorers, Dawson Garcia and Mike Mitchell Jr., combined for 35 points, but the Gophers struggled defensively, allowing Michigan State to dominate in transition and on the boards.
The loss highlighted the Gophers' need to adjust to the physicality of Big Ten play, as they were out-rebounded 39-27 and allowed 27 fast-break points.