It wasn’t the most impressive performance, but Michigan State basketball opened the 2025-26 season with an exhibition victory on Thursday.
The Spartans needed a late push to pull away from Bowling Green for a 75-66 victory in their exhibition opener from the Breslin Center on Thursday night. With the game tied halfway through the second half, the Spartans suffocated the Falcons with strong defense to end the game and earn the win.
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It was a back-and-forth game for most of the first half, but the Spartans were able to build up a comfortable lead before the break. Michigan State finish the final 10 minutes of the half outscoring the Falcons by 14 points to gain a 48-39 lead at halftime.
The Falcons didn’t go away easy, finding a way to tie the game at 57-57 halfway through the second frame. However, from that point forward, Michigan State took control, ending the game on a 18-9 run to secure the win over Bowling Green.
Michigan State was led in scoring by Coen Carr with 17 points and Jaxon Kohler with 15 points. Jeremy Fears Jr. was far behind with 12 points and nine assist for the near double-double.
Michigan State will return to the court next week on Tuesday in their second and final exhibition game against UConn. That exhibition matchup between the Spartans and Huskies will tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET.
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Michigan State will open the regular season on November 3 against Colgate.
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Spartans pull away late for win in exhibition opener vs. Bowling Green
