Michigan State Defeats Rutgers 81-74, Extends Winning Streak to 12

In a thrilling contest at Madison Square Garden, No. 8 Michigan State Spartans secured their 12th consecutive victory by defeating Rutgers Scarlet Knights 81-74 on Saturday afternoon. The Spartans put on a dominant display, showcasing their remarkable depth and resilience.

Richardson’s Career-Best Performance

Freshman guard Jase Richardson emerged as the star of the game, exploding for a career-high 20 points. He shot an impressive 6-of-9 from the field, including three 3-pointers. Richardson’s contributions extended beyond scoring, as he also grabbed four rebounds and dished out an assist.

Balanced Scoring Effort

The Spartans’ triumph was a collective effort, with three players joining Richardson in double figures. Sophomore forward Coen Carr scored 14 points and tied his career-high with eight rebounds. Senior guard Jaden Akins added 12 points and five rebounds. Junior guard Tre Holloman chipped in nine points and led the team with six assists.

Dominant Second Half

After a tightly contested first half that ended with the Spartans holding a slim 35-32 advantage, Michigan State turned up the heat in the second half. They extended their lead to eight points and held off a late surge by the Scarlet Knights to secure the victory.

Key Stats

The Spartans shot 48.2 percent from the field compared to Rutgers’ 33.8 percent. They outrebounded the Scarlet Knights 44-34 and hit 84.6 percent of their free throws. Michigan State’s bench played a crucial role, scoring 50 points.

Richardson Leads the Way to Victory

Jase Richardson’s exceptional performance was a major catalyst in the Spartans’ victory. His offensive outburst and overall contributions helped Michigan State maintain control of the game and ultimately secure the win.

Continued Success for Spartans

Michigan State’s victory extends their winning streak to 12 games and improves their record to 17-2 overall and 8-0 in the Big Ten Conference. The Spartans remain atop the conference standings and are poised to continue their dominant run.

Upcoming Matchup

The Spartans will return home to the Breslin Center on Tuesday, January 28, to host Minnesota in a pivotal Big Ten matchup. The game tips off at 8 p.m. on Peacock.