Michigan State basketball dismantled Detroit Mercy on Friday night, 84-56, improving to 5-0 on the season. It is the first time the Spartans have opened a season 5-0 since 2020-21.
The win went about how you would expect, the Spartans taking early control, and blowing it open in the second half. All in all, it was overall a good performance, especially from the MSU veteran core, but there were still some things for Tom Izzo to harp on.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementEither way, it is the fifth consecutive win for MSU, and the Spartans are feeling good heading into a two game trip to Fort Myers against East Carolina and North Carolina.
Below, we put together three takeaways from a 28-point win for the Spartans over Detroit Mercy:
1. Jeremy Fears Jr. is finding his scoring touch
Nov 21, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) drives to the basket during the second half while Michigan State Spartans center Carson Cooper (15) clears a lane for him against the Detroit Mercy Titans at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn ImagesWe all know about the passing ability and command of the offense Fears has, but his scoring touch always felt like it was a step behind. It isn't starting to feel like that anymore.
Following an efficient 2-for-3 shooting night against Kentucky, Fears put up a career high 18-points against Detroit Mercy on 7-of-12 shooting including 2-for-4 from three. It is his third game scoring in double figures.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIf Fears has found his scoring touch, in an efficient manner, it unlocks a whole other dimension to this MSU team.
2. Carson Cooper deserves respect
Nov 21, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Carson Cooper (15) battles Detroit Mercy Titans forward Ryan Kalambay (30) to get a shot into the basket during the second half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn ImagesCooper put together another impressive performance, scoring 12 points and adding six rebounds. The development that he has shown in his senior year, culminating his four years on campus, is incredible.
Cooper is a consistent force on defense, being able to guard inside and out, while also finding an offensive rhythm. He has scored in double figures in three of five games this year, and continues to show a strong skillset.
3. Upperclassmen developing a floor
Nov 21, 2025; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; The Michigan State Spartan bench reacts against the Detroit Mercy Titans at the end of the game at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-Imagn ImagesTom Izzo said it, the upperclassmen played good but that is about it, with a less than ideal showing from others. That isn't entirely horrible, though, because it shows the consistency these upperclassmen bring to the table, and the floor it brings.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIf MSU continues to get good, consistent performances from it's veteran core, it will be in a really good spot in a lot of games this year.
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Three takeaways from Michigan State basketball's win vs. Detroit Mercy
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