Michigan State hoops falls to James Madison in thrilling, yet disappointing season opener
Michigan State figured it out the hard way last night: James Madison athletics is everywhere these days.
The Dukes are 9-0 in football and now 1-0 in basketball after downing No. 4 Michigan State Monday night in East Lansing, 79-76.
It was as perfect an opening night hoops contest as there could be for everyone except Michigan State fans. The Spartans were outrebounded but more importantly, simply couldn’t hit their 3-point shots. Michigan State finished 1-20 from beyond the arc. The starting unit went 0-17.
James Madison didn’t shoot very well from range, but still drilled 7 more 3-pointers than Michigan State. Here’s JMU’s most critical 3-pointer of the night to put Sparty to bed:
JAMES MADISON!!! Is this the dagger? @JMUMBasketball 😱 pic.twitter.com/Fm0BsDtobv
— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) November 7, 2023
It wasn’t all bad for MSU. For what it’s worth, JMU was picked to win the Sun Belt this season. The Dukes are a solid opponent that is very likely to make it to the Big Dance come March.
Tyson Walker had an incredible night for the Spartans, dropping a game-high 35 points with 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 steals. Only he and Coen Carr eclipsed 10 points for MSU. And remember, Walker hit 35 without nailing a single 3-pointer.
Michigan State will look to bounce back from opening night’s blues on Thursday night against Southern Indiana.