Jeremy Fears’ playmaking and Jaxon Kohler’s shooting fuel MSU in a complete Champions Classic win over Kentucky

In an arena like Madison Square Garden, that heightens the pressure of an already intense Champions Classic event, Michigan State proved why it still belongs in this event, overwhelming Kentucky with grit and rhythm that the Wildcats couldn’t break. The Green and White maintained a double-digit lead for the majority of the game, not letting the No. 12-ranked Kentucky team exhale, before capping off the night with a statement 17-point win, ending at 83-66. 

This was more than just a win for the Spartans, but a response to questions about shooting issues and whether they belong on college basketball’s biggest November stage. From the moment forward Jaxon Kohler hit the first 3-pointer of the night, the momentum carried for MSU throughout the night. 

“It was a great feeling,” Kohler said. “Because this entire week we've been really trying to step up our game in terms of shooting and playing physical and knowing the game that we were about to have … The first one went in, and you just kind of build on that confidence, and I feel like that gave a leeway for everybody to make their shots.”

Kohler’s confidence rippled throughout the roster, with MSU finishing with a season-high 83 points and the sharpest shooting outside the perimeter the Spartans have seen this season, shooting 11-of-22 (50%) from deep. Kohler, specifically, tallied 20 points, shooting 8-of-12, and making both of his 3-point attempts. He also recorded five rebounds.

Beyond the shooting, what was most impressive for the Spartans was the rebounding, particular on the offensive glass, with 10 offensive rebounds. 

“I feel like us as a team did very well about making sure that everybody crashed to the boards,” Kohler said. “We know that they have a lot of size on their team from every position, and going into this game for prep, we knew it's going to be a battle to go up against them on boards and everything, and we brought it tonight.”