3 Spartans Need to Step Up Against Golden Gophers

Michigan State basketball looks to bounce back after tough loss to Michigan

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:47am

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Michigan State basketball now sits at 19-3 on the season following a tough home loss to No. 3 Michigan. The Spartans will need more consistent contributions across the lineup to return to the win column as they travel to Minnesota to face the Golden Gophers.

Why it matters

After a strong start to the season, Michigan State has hit a rough patch, losing a key in-state rivalry game against Michigan. The Spartans will need to regroup and get more production from role players like Jaxon Kohler and Jordan Scott to stay in the hunt for a high NCAA Tournament seed.

The details

Jeremy Fears Jr. had a career-high 31 points against Michigan, but the Spartans struggled shooting overall in the first half. Kohler and Scott both reached double figures, but Kohler has cooled off from three-point range and Scott needs to become a more consistent perimeter threat. A potential lineup shift with Scott in the starting lineup could provide a spark for Michigan State.

  • Michigan State lost to No. 3 Michigan 42-26 at halftime on January 30, 2026.
  • The Spartans will travel to Minnesota to face the Golden Gophers in their next game.

The players

Jeremy Fears Jr.

A Michigan State guard who scored a career-high 31 points against Michigan.

Jaxon Kohler

A Michigan State forward who has struggled with his outside shooting since the team's West Coast trip.

Jordan Scott

A Michigan State guard who earned a starting opportunity in the second half against Michigan and provided a spark off the bench.

Divine Ugochukwu

A Michigan State player who has shown potential but has struggled to build on an impressive early-season performance.

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What’s next

The Spartans will need to regroup and get more production from role players like Jaxon Kohler and Jordan Scott to stay in the hunt for a high NCAA Tournament seed as they travel to face the Golden Gophers.

The takeaway

Michigan State has shown it can mount impressive comebacks, but sustained success will require improved shooting, stronger rebounding, and consistent bench production. If the Spartans' role players can step up, they will be well-positioned to bounce back with a strong road performance against Minnesota.