Michigan State’s men’s basketball team is set to face Detroit Mercy on Friday, November 21, at 6:30 p.m. This matchup will take place at the Breslin Center and will be broadcasted live on BTN.
Recent Performance
The Spartans are coming off a strong performance, defeating No. 12 Kentucky 83-66 in the Champions Classic. This victory marked their second win over a ranked opponent this season, following a 69-66 win against then-No. 14 Arkansas earlier this month.
Key Player Stats
- Jaxon Kohler: Scored 20 points against Kentucky, leading the team with an average of 15.3 points per game and 11.3 rebounds.
- Jeremy Fears Jr.: Recorded a career-high 13 assists and is averaging 10.3 points per game.
- Coen Carr: Contributed significantly, averaging 10.3 points and 5.3 rebounds.
- Carson Cooper: Averages 9.5 points per game and is contributing 5.3 rebounds.
Through four games, Michigan State has three players scoring in double figures, with a total of seven players averaging over 7 points per game. Kohler leads the Big Ten in rebounds and has two double-doubles this season, showcasing his impactful play.
About Detroit Mercy
Detroit Mercy enters the game with a 1-4 record. Their last game resulted in a 72-62 loss to Eastern Michigan. The Titans have suffered losses against UIC, Notre Dame, and Toledo, with their sole victory against Cleary.
Key Players for Detroit Mercy
- Orlando Lovejoy: Leads the team with 13.8 points per game and 4.0 assists, coming off a 20-point performance against Eastern Michigan.
Coaching Connections
This game features a reunion between Michigan State Head Coach Tom Izzo and his former assistant, Mark Montgomery, now in his second season with Detroit Mercy. Montgomery played for Michigan State in the early 1990s and served under Izzo for 13 seasons across two stints.
Historical Context
Michigan State and Detroit Mercy will meet for the 63rd time in history. The Spartans lead the all-time series 46-16, with a 27-6 home record. They have won 13 of the last 15 encounters, including the last matchup in December 2020, which ended at 83-76 in favor of Michigan State.
The atmosphere at Breslin Center promises to be electric as the Spartans look to continue their winning momentum against the Titans on Friday night.
