Michigan State Looks to Keep Rolling Against Western Michigan

The Michigan State Spartans are back in action and ready to extend their winning streak as they host the Western Michigan Broncos on Monday afternoon in East Lansing. Ranked No. 18 with a 10-2 record, the Spartans are looking sharp—but even head coach Tom Izzo admits there’s still room for improvement.

Michigan State: Finding Their Groove

The Spartans head into this game on a five-game win streak, but Izzo remains cautious. “I said earlier this season that we wouldn’t really know where we stand until after Christmas,” Izzo explained. “And honestly, I still feel that way. Things have been so up and down across college basketball—it’s tough to gauge.”

Despite the uncertainty, Michigan State has been putting together solid performances, thanks in large part to their depth. Seven different players have led the team in scoring at various points this season, which makes the Spartans unpredictable and tough to defend.

• Jaden Akins: The guard is the team’s leading scorer, averaging 13.3 points per game.
• Coen Carr: In their last game—an 86-69 win over Florida Atlantic—Carr came off the bench and dropped 17 points, one of four Spartans to hit double digits.

“We’re good enough to beat a lot of teams, but not good enough to avoid losing if we’re not locked in,” Izzo said. “Our defense and rebounding need to get better. If we can do that, everything else will fall into place.”

Western Michigan: Searching for Consistency

It’s been a tough season for the Broncos, who come into this game with a 3-8 record and a four-game losing streak. Their most recent loss? A 76-73 heartbreaker to Valparaiso on Dec. 20. Western Michigan had a 22-point lead with less than seven minutes to play but still managed to lose on a buzzer-beater three-pointer.

There is a bright spot for the Broncos: the return of Chansey Willis Jr. After missing the first eight games of the season due to injury, Willis has been on fire, averaging 17 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in the three games he’s played.

“We’re an unselfish group,” forward Max Burton said. “The scoring comes from different players every night, and that keeps us unpredictable.”

The Broncos, coached by former Michigan State assistant Dwayne Stephens, are hoping for a strong showing against one of the best teams in the country.

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What to Watch For

• Depth vs. Star Power: Michigan State’s deep rotation could overwhelm Western Michigan, but the Broncos will lean on Chansey Willis Jr. to keep things competitive.
• Defensive Edge: The Spartans have emphasized improving their defense and rebounding, which could make it a long night for the Broncos.
• Coaching Reunion: Western Michigan’s Dwayne Stephens spent years as an assistant under Izzo, so there’s an added layer of familiarity in this matchup.

Why This Game Matters

For Michigan State, this is about fine-tuning their game before diving into Big Ten competition. They’ve shown they can win, but Izzo wants to see improvement in areas like defense and rebounding to ensure they’re ready for tougher challenges ahead.

For Western Michigan, this is a chance to measure themselves against a top-tier team. With Chansey Willis Jr. back in the mix, the Broncos are looking to shake off their recent struggles and build momentum for the rest of their season.

Final Thoughts

Michigan State is the heavy favorite in this matchup, and their depth and balance will likely be too much for Western Michigan to handle. But for the Broncos, this is an opportunity to compete, grow, and maybe pull off an upset against a former mentor in Dwayne Stephens.

Key Info

• Game Date: Monday, Dec. 26
• Location: East Lansing, Michigan
• Records: Michigan State (10-2), Western Michigan (3-8)
• Players to Watch: Jaden Akins and Coen Carr (Michigan State); Chansey Willis Jr. and Max Burton (Western Michigan)