Michigan State basketball pulled off a hard-fought 85-82 overtime victory against No. 6 Illinois at the Breslin Center on Saturday, Feb. 7, and Free Press sports writer Andrew Birkle highlighted the key winners and losers from the contest. The Spartans leaned heavily on their star players to secure the comeback, while a few standout performances from Illinois fell short under pressure.
Winners
Jeremy Fears Jr., PG, Michigan State
Fears Jr. was the driving force behind Michigan State’s second-half and overtime surge. Over his last five games, he has averaged 22.6 points and 11.8 assists, and Saturday was no exception. Of his 26 points against Illinois, 22 came in the second half and overtime, evenly split between the two periods, while he added 15 assists. Fears consistently attacked the rim, drawing 13 free throws and converting 12, wearing down Illinois’ defense.
His ability to close games has become crucial for MSU, a role the team lacked earlier in the season, as evidenced by their struggles against Duke in December. His poise and aggressiveness on both ends made him a standout winner.
Jaxon Kohler, F, Michigan State
Kohler returned to form with a dominant performance on the boards, grabbing 16 rebounds, six of which came offensively. This was his first double-digit rebounding game since Jan. 13 against Indiana. One crucial offensive rebound in the final seconds allowed teammate Teng a second-chance opportunity, which he converted.
Kohler’s effort underlines his importance to the Spartans, both offensively and defensively. “I just had to go in with the confidence and physicality,” he said after the game, acknowledging Illinois’ physicality and strong rebounding. His ability to assert himself in critical moments proved vital to the team’s success.
Jaxon Kohler (MSU)Cam Ward, F, Michigan State
Freshman Cam Ward also emerged as a winner, contributing eight points and seven rebounds. More importantly, he played a key role in the closing moments of regulation and overtime. Returning to the form he showed early in the season, Ward made two clutch free throws and a tip-in layup late in overtime. His +15 plus-minus reflected the impact he had while on the floor, proving he can be a reliable contributor when the team needs him most.
Losers
Jeremy Fears Jr., PG, Michigan State
Despite his brilliance, Fears also drew criticism during the game for an apparent trip on Illinois’ David Mirkovic, which sparked controversy. While Illinois coach Brad Underwood downplayed the incident, national narratives about Fears’ style of play are likely to continue. Even stellar performances like this one cannot fully shield him from scrutiny.
Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler struggled with efficiency, finishing 2-for-16 from the field despite scoring 16 points, largely from free throws. He had a wide-open chance at the end of regulation that could have won the game, but missed, highlighting the high-pressure challenges of Big Ten basketball. Fellow freshman Jordan Scott did a strong job defending him, and perhaps it was just a case of bad luck meeting tough competition.
Keaton Wagler (MSU)Michigan State relied on Fears, Kohler, and Ward to secure a thrilling overtime victory, while Illinois’ key players, particularly Wagler, could not capitalize in crucial moments. Fears’ performance demonstrated his growth as a closer, Kohler’s boards underscored his physicality and timing, and Ward’s clutch play reinforced MSU’s depth. Illinois, meanwhile, showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short due to inefficiency and missed opportunities.
