Spartans in Spain

Seniors and transfers usually get the attention. But sometimes, sophomores make the difference. Ask Michigan State.

1. Michigan State nearly trips up in overseas trip

The Spartans began their preseason foreign tour in Spain with a game against the Madrid All-Stars, a team that lost by 24 points to Notre Dame in the past week — though the Madrid roster was different.

Apparently that difference was massive.

Madrid led Tom Izzo’s team by two points entering the fourth quarter before MSU sophomores Jeremy Fears and Xavier Booker ensured the trip didn’t turn into a bust.

The 94-87 Michigan State win showed the best of Booker. The former 5-star prospect cleared 20 points points and was the game’s best offensive player.

Another positive included Fears looking like the clear lead guard. That’s important considering he’s coming off a gunshot wound that forced him to miss much of last season.

Omaha transfer Frankie Fidler displayed the all-around scoring skills that made him a coveted portal target, while the perimeter defense was strong, forcing plenty of turnovers.

That being said, the frontcourt defense and rebounding left a lot to be desired against a smaller opponent. Longwood transfer Szymon Zapala got the start at center, but there were some flaws among him, Jaxon Kohler, and Carson Cooper. The two-big lineup struggled, though Booker’s scoring ultimately made up for it.

The lone returning MSU starter, Jaden Akins, also didn’t have the greatest offensive performance.

We have two more games in the coming week to see if any of these takeaways become more of a trend, as well as whether Coach Izzo has any new rotations to throw out there. If Booker continues to score at a high level, he could be a national breakout candidate to watch.

2. This isn’t your daddy’s Duke schedule

This is not a non-conference slate Mike Krzyzewski would’ve built.

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