Spartans Bench Shines in the Big Apple, Richardson/Carr Spark MSU to Dozen Consecutive Wins

**Madison Square Garden- New York City, NY**

“Strength in numbers,” has been Coach Izzo’s motto and in true fashion to their identity, the bench was the driving force yet again. In a game where Rutgers most dynamic player in Dylan Harper warmed up but did not start, the Spartans overcame some early yips playing under the NBA lights of Madison Square Garden and a late charge by the Scarlet Knights.

Coen Carr should be flying up draft boards. He’s a very intriguing prospect whether it be for the 2025 or 2026 NBA Draft.

pic.twitter.com/S8XgjstY6p

— Zach “🅂🄲🄷🅄🅉” Schumaker (@_SchuZ_) January 25, 2025

Jase Richardson (6-9 FG, 3-4 3pt, 5-5 FTs) poured in a team and career high 20 points and 4 rebounds to pace the offense while Coen Carr was electric on both sides of the court, adding in 14 points (5-5 FG, 4-5 FTs), 8 rebounds and 2 fan-recipient blocks. MSU (17-2, 8-0 1st Big Ten) received double digits from Jaden Aikins (12 pts, 3-15FG, 1-7 3pt, 5-6 FTs) along with 5 boards in another off-shooting night that saw the Rutgers (10-10, 3-6) lock him up early and often. Bench-budding x-factor Frankie Fidler has now put together four-consecutive games of high impact results on paper and on defense, providing the length necessary alongside Aikins, Richardson and Fears Jr. who have struggled against length on defense. Fidler didn’t score as much with 4 points (2-6FG, 0-3 3-pt) but had 3 big rebounds, 5 assists and provided plenty of defensive tenacity in slowing down Bailey after a hot start and then helping on Harper upon his entry.

Tom Izzo told Bill Raftery how his Spartans got it done today. @MSU_Basketball pic.twitter.com/wf0QZMlIBj

— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) January 25, 2025

The forwards for MSU were hit with early foul trouble with limited production as the combo of Jaxon Kohler (10 min), Szymon Zapala (14 min) and Carson Cooper (15 min) combined for 10 fouls, 9 points (4-5 FGs), 11 rebounds 1 block and 2 turnovers. Cooper would leave in the second half after hurting his ankle and while in pain, was called for a tripping foul but seemed to be OK. Their dominance in the paint has been a large part of their strengths and they will need them to bounce back and play with efficiency going forward. Rutgers did use some smaller lineups with their injuries and limitations, forcing Holloman, Fears, Aikins and Richardson to log 25+ minutes each. Holloman chipped in 9 points (3-7 FGs, 1-2 3-pt, 2-2 FTs) and 6 assists.

Xavier Booker unfortunately, is enduring his worst outside shooting slump of the year. However, he tallied a respectable box line in 18 minutes of 9 points (3-7 FG, 0-4 3-pt, 3-4 FTs), 4 rebounds and 4 impressive blocks. Since a 4-game stretch vs UNC, MINN, NEB and Oakland of double-digit points and hitting 7-12 3-pt, he would go without a made 3-pointer across his next 6 games totaling 0-14 until he hit is only attempt vs Illinois. Counting yesterday’s game, Booker is now 1-19 his past 8 contests from deep. The Spartans coaching staff will absolutely be focused on realigning Booker’s and Aikins touch back. Why? They have been the only volume 3-point shooters on a team that continues to struggle from range. Booker has been overcoming that aspect though by maintaining an overall FG % of 60.9% (28-46) in conference play and remains a key presence in the paint on defense. Additionally, he provides a special, fast-break dynamic as a 6’11” outside threat who does have enough ball handling skills to get to the rim and the free throw line. Having him and Aikins back in form will continue to let Kohler, Zapala and Cooper work on favorable matchups in the paint and continue to crash the glass for second chance opportunities.

Rutgers’ Harper was limited to 13 minutes (ankle) with only 6 points and 1 steal. Guard Ace Bailey was held to 4 points after his sizzling start to the game, finishing with 18 points and a brutal shooting line (4-17FG, 2-5 3-pt), but went a perfect 8-8 from the charity stripe. Reserve Jordan Derkack did his best to match Jase, ending with a game-high 26 points (7-11 FG, 4-7 3-pt, 8-9 FTs), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals to 1 turnover in 27 minutes. He hit a flurry of 3’s late to keep them hanging around the final minutes. This has been a point of emphasis by Izzo be determined to keep his team hyper focused on the final 5 just as the previous 35 game minutes.

Jase Richardson dropped 20 points in MSU’s win over Rutgers today.

He shot 67% from the field, and looked like arguably the best player on the court today 🔥🔥🔥
pic.twitter.com/T9gEMlxGDy

— Draftstack (@TheDraftstack) January 25, 2025

TEAM STATS:

Spartans: 27-56 FG (48.2%), 5-19, 3-PT (26.3%), 22-26 FT (84.6%)

Scarlet Knights: 23-68 FG (33.8%), 9-30, 3-PT (30.0%), 19-25 FT (76.0%)

Record/Rankings & More:

17-2 (8-0, 1st-Big Ten) Rankings: #8 AP / #8 Coaches Poll (Next Rankings release: 1/27)
Updated KenPom- Off: 20th / Def: 19th. Adjusted Tempo: 115th. SOS Net Rtg: 42nd +7.14

Updated Bart Torvik- ADJOE: 24th/ADJDE: 19th / EFF.FGD%: 45.6 (21st) / ORBD %: 36.7 (18th) & DRBD %: 26.2 (35th)

Other Metrics: KPI (15th), ESPN SoR (6th), ESPN BPI (17th), T-Rank: 14th — #3 in FT % (81.5%), 2nd at home (84.6%) and 18th on road (78.8%) which would put them 16th alone.

FULL KenPom Stats: https://kenpom.com/index.php

FULL Bart Torvik Stats: https://barttorvik.com/#

FULL T-Rank Stats: https://www.warrennolan.com/basketball/2025/net-teamsheets-plus#google_vignette

NEXT ON THE CLOCK:

Games will be consistent coming up as a west coast trip inches closer for MSU. The Golden Gophers get the rematch back in East Lansing on Tuesday, 1/28 at 8:00pm EST on Peacock. Minnesota is on a 3-game win streak with ranked home wins over Michigan/Oregon plus a road win at Iowa and have found some rhythm since Big Ten Game #1 back on December 4th.