UPDATE: In a nail-biting finish, the No. 22 Michigan State Spartans triumphed over No. 14 Arkansas with a score of 69-66 on Saturday night, showcasing the tactical brilliance of coach Tom Izzo against fellow Hall of Famer John Calipari.
The game, held in East Lansing, Michigan, saw freshman Cam Ward lead the Spartans with 18 points and 10 rebounds. His teammate Coen Carr added 15 points and seven rebounds, underscoring Michigan State’s dominance on the boards with a staggering 19 offensive rebounds that translated into 18 points—a hallmark of Izzo’s strategy over his 31 seasons at the helm.
In a thrilling contest, the Razorbacks, now at 1-1, rallied late in the game, tying the score at 66-all with less than two minutes remaining. Freshman Darius Acuff, who hails from Detroit, contributed 16 points, while Meleek Thomas, from Pittsburgh, matched him with 16 points of his own.
The momentum shifted when Carson Cooper broke Michigan State’s scoring drought with a crucial free throw, putting the Spartans ahead. Senior Jeremy Fears capitalized on Acuff’s inexperience, drawing a foul while shooting a three-pointer with 43.2 seconds left, converting two free throws for a three-point lead.
As the clock ticked down, the Razorbacks had a chance to tie but faced pressure from the Spartans’ defense. Thomas missed a critical three-pointer with 27 seconds to go, and after Michigan State’s Jordan Scott missed two free throws, Acuff’s final three-point attempt fell short with only seven seconds left. Following a timeout called by Izzo, Trevon Brazile launched an air ball, sealing the victory for Michigan State.
This latest victory marks Michigan State’s second win of the season, demonstrating their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. With both teams showcasing emerging talent, fans can expect more thrilling matchups as the season unfolds.
Next up, Michigan State will look to maintain their momentum, while Arkansas aims to rebound from this narrow defeat. Stay tuned for further updates on both teams as they navigate the early stages of the season.
