EAST LANSING – After returning this week from a successful trip out west, the concern entering the game vs. Maryland on Saturday was if Michigan State basketball could bring the necessary energy.
That was never in doubt.
Advertisement
The Spartans rolled the Terrapins from start to finish at the Breslin Center, wearing down a bad Maryland team with stifling defense and efficient offense in a 91-48 win.
Once again, MSU point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. was the star of the show. He finished with 17 points on an efficient 6-for-8 shooting, but his passing was otherworldly.
Fears finished the afternoon with 17 assists, which is tied with Gary Ganakas for the second most assist in a game for any Spartan ever. Only Mateen Cleaves has ever had more assists in a game for MSU, when he dropped 20 dimes against Michigan on March 4, 2000, in a 114-63 blowout of Michigan.
A LONG TIME COMING: It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s … Jeremy Fears Jr. dunking again?
Advertisement
His impact on winning has become abundantly clear, both in the Spartans’ record (18-2), and in some of the advanced stats.
When Fears was on the floor for the Spartans against Maryland on Saturday, MSU was a ridiculous plus-43 for the game.
Next up, the Spartans will travel to New Jersey to face Rutgers on Tuesday, Jan. 27, before an epic showdown with Michigan in East Lansing on Friday, Jan. 30.
This story will be updated.
Contact Chris Solari:csolari@freepress.com. Follow him @chrissolari.
Subscribe to the «Spartan Speak» podcast for new episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Advertisement
If you purchase through our links, the USA Today Network may earn a commission. Prices were accurate at the time of publication but may change.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State basketball score as Jeremy Fears crushes Maryland
