The Michigan State Spartans delivered a near-perfect performance on Thursday night, overwhelming the Washington Huskies in an 88-54 rout at the Breslin Center. With the win, the Spartans improved to 13-2 overall and remain undefeated in Big Ten play at 4-0.

From the opening tip, Michigan State dictated the pace, opening the game with a blistering 16-1 run. Their relentless energy and execution on both ends of the floor left the Huskies struggling to find any rhythm. By halftime, the Spartans had built a commanding 42-13 lead, showcasing elite offensive efficiency and suffocating defense.

Balanced Scoring Fuels the Spartans

Four Spartans scored in double figures, highlighting the team’s depth and balanced attack. Jaden Akins led all scorers with 20 points, delivering a standout performance that set the tone for Michigan State's dominant outing. Jeremy Fears and Jase Richardson each contributed 12 points, while Tre Holloman added 11 to round out the double-digit scorers.

“Our guys came out focused and ready to compete,” said Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo. “The energy and execution we saw in the first half is what we’ve been working toward all season. It was a total team effort.”

Elite First Half Sets the Tone

The Spartans’ first-half dominance was a masterclass in team basketball. They shot efficiently from the field, moved the ball with precision, and clamped down defensively, holding Washington to just 13 points before the break. The Huskies had no answers for Michigan State’s relentless pressure and fluid offensive sets.

While the second half was more competitive, as often happens in games with such large margins, the Spartans maintained their focus and energy to cruise to an emphatic win.

Defensive Mastery

The Spartans’ defense was the story of the night, forcing turnovers, contesting shots, and stifling Washington’s offensive flow. The Huskies struggled to generate clean looks, a testament to Michigan State’s commitment to defensive fundamentals and communication.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Michigan State continues to build momentum in what is shaping up to be an impressive season. They’ll face a tough road test on Sunday when they travel to Evanston to take on Northwestern in a Big Ten matchup.

“Our guys know the importance of staying locked in,” said Izzo. “We’ll celebrate this one tonight, but come tomorrow, it’s all about preparing for Northwestern.”